Sexual hierarchies are social structures that create a power dynamic between individuals based on their perceived value in terms of gender, age, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status. In military and political institutions, these hierarchies can lead to systems of domination where certain groups are seen as superior to others. This is done through the creation of rigid roles and expectations for each group, which reinforce their dominance and privilege. These systems perpetuate themselves through cultural norms and institutional policies, leading to a cycle of oppression that is difficult to break.
One way that sexual hierarchies reproduce systems of domination is through the objectification of women. Women are often seen as objects for the gratification of men in both military and political settings, with little regard for their individual agency or autonomy. The idea of "the good soldier" or "the good politician" often involves conforming to stereotypical masculine traits like strength, competitiveness, and aggression, while those who do not conform may be ostracized or marginalized. This creates an environment where sexual harassment and assault are commonplace, and victims are discouraged from speaking out due to fear of retaliation.
Another way that sexual hierarchies reproduce domination is through the use of violence and coercion. Military and political leaders may use force to maintain control over subordinates, whether they are members of their own organization or outside groups. This can include physical violence, psychological abuse, or emotional manipulation, all of which reinforces the power dynamic between the leader and the subordinate. Victims may feel powerless to resist, creating a cycle of abuse that is hard to escape from.
Sexual hierarchies can also lead to increased stress levels and mental health issues among individuals within these institutions. When people are constantly faced with oppressive structures, it takes a toll on their well-being, leading to burnout, anxiety, depression, and other negative effects. These issues can further entrench the power dynamics, making it difficult for individuals to challenge the status quo.
Sexual hierarchies in military and political institutions create systems of domination that are deeply ingrained and difficult to break. It requires widespread cultural change and institutional reforms to address these issues, but progress has been made towards greater equality and inclusion. By recognizing the impacts of sexual hierarchies and working towards more equitable societies, we can begin to dismantle these harmful systems.
How do sexual hierarchies in military and political institutions reproduce systems of domination?
According to feminist scholars such as Cynthia Enloe and Mary Hawkesworth, military and political institutions often employ a system of power that is based on patriarchy. This means that men are perceived as superior to women in these organizations due to their gender identity. As a result, the top positions in militaries and political parties tend to be occupied by men while women are expected to conform to traditional gender roles, which include subservience and loyalty.