Gender Norms Influence Emotions, Conflict Resolution, and Intimacy in Military Partnerships
More women have joined the military than ever before.
There is still significant research needed to understand how these individuals interact with each other and their partners, particularly regarding gender norms. This article explores how gender norms can influence emotional expression, conflict resolution, and relational intimacy in military partnerships.
Emotional Expression
Emotions are often considered private and personal experiences that should be kept hidden from others.
Some societies value emotional expression while others view it as weakness or undesirable behavior. Women tend to express more emotion than men, but this varies depending on cultural context.
In Western society, where masculinity is associated with stoicism and self-reliance, men may feel pressured to suppress emotions such as fear, sadness, or anger. On the other hand, in cultures where feminine qualities such as nurturing and caregiving are valued, women may feel more comfortable expressing a wider range of emotions. These gender norms can also impact relationships.
Conflict Resolution
Men are socialized to avoid conflict and resolve disputes aggressively through physical force. On the other hand, women are taught to manage conflicts through negotiation and compromise. When two people of different genders experience conflict in a relationship, they may have difficulty finding common ground for resolution.
The partner's gender roles may affect how they interpret or respond to a conflict situation.
Relational Intimacy
Intimacy refers to closeness and connection between partners. Many factors influence how couples achieve and maintain intimacy, including age, socioeconomic status, education level, religion, and culture. Gender norms play a significant role in shaping these expectations.
Heterosexual couples may adhere to traditional gender roles, where men are expected to initiate sexual activity and women to be submissive. In contrast, same-sex couples may share responsibilities equally without these gendered expectations. The military environment itself can complicate relational intimacy, with long deployments, frequent moves, and separation.
Gender norms can significantly impact emotional expression, conflict resolution, and relational intimacy in military partnerships. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial to improve relationships and support mental health among service members and their families. Additional research should explore how gender norms vary across cultures, races, religions, and geographical regions. By recognizing and addressing these factors, we can create more equitable and fulfilling relationships within the military community.
How do gender norms influence emotional expression, conflict resolution, and relational intimacy in military partnerships?
Gender norms can have an impact on how individuals perceive and express their emotions, which may affect their ability to communicate effectively with their partner and resolve conflicts in a relationship. In traditional gender roles, men are expected to be emotionally stoic and independent, while women are often socialized to prioritize the needs of others over themselves. This can lead to misunderstandings or resentment in relationships where one partner feels unheard or undervalued.