Gender norms have been linked to differences in sexual competence among men and women.
There is limited research examining how these expectations are perpetuated within the military context, which includes highly masculine cultures that value physical strength, self-sufficiency, and conformity to traditional gender roles. This paper explores how military culture influences male and female sexuality through an intersectional lens, including factors such as race/ethnicity, rank, religion, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. It analyzes data from various sources, including peer-reviewed studies, government reports, media coverage, interviews, and personal testimonies. The paper argues that while military culture may create challenges for both genders, it disproportionately impacts females due to their marginalized position in society and within the armed forces. Further, it suggests that increasing awareness about gender norms and promoting non-traditional approaches to sexuality could improve communication and intimacy between partners.
This paper highlights the importance of understanding the role of gender norms in shaping individuals' sexual experiences and the need for more inclusive attitudes towards diverse expressions of sexuality within military communities.
Gender norms can shape individuals' perceptions of themselves, others, and interactions with them. In the military, males are expected to be strong, aggressive, independent, and assertive, whereas females are often perceived as weak, submissive, and passive. These stereotypes can influence men and women's confidence levels regarding their own abilities and desires during sex, leading to anxiety and performance issues.
A study found that men who identified with masculine traits were less likely to report satisfaction with their sexual experiences compared to those who did not (Muehlenhard & Giles, 2013). Similarly, a survey of female veterans revealed that they felt pressure to conform to traditional femininity, which led some to avoid engaging in certain behaviors (e.g., taking initiative) during sex (Peterson et al., 2018). This tension between one's personal identity and cultural expectations can lead to frustration and confusion, negatively affecting sexual competence.
Gender roles may limit opportunities for open communication between partners, making it challenging to express desires and negotiate agreements.
Military culture also reinforces heteronormativity by emphasizing male-female relationships over other identities or orientations. Research suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals face unique barriers in the armed forces due to discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity (e.g., exclusion from promotions or benefits) (Sanders & Pillai, 2017).
This culture is also shifting, with more acceptance of non-traditional relationships and increasing diversity among service members (Gates et al., 2021). Therefore, military couples must navigate diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values while navigating intimacy and pleasure together.
Racial/ethnic minorities are often subjected to stereotypes about sexual prowess or aggressiveness, impacting their self-esteem and interactions with partners. These biases can create additional stressors for interracial relationships within the military environment (Koza, 2016).
The effects of military culture extend beyond sexual behavior to broader social networks, such as family life and civilian communities.
Service members who identify with traditional masculinity may struggle to adjust to parenthood after leaving the military, leading to increased domestic violence and marital conflict (Cochran & Ross, 2015). This can harm children's development, particularly when they experience frequent deployments or witness abuse at home. Further, veterans' mental health issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect their ability to connect emotionally with loved ones, including during sex (Brown et al., 2018).
Service members who leave the military without adequate resources or support systems may face significant challenges adapting to civilian life and finding suitable employment opportunities (Hayden, 2019), potentially impacting their romantic relationships.
To improve communication and confidence levels within military communities, it is essential to challenge gender norms and promote inclusive attitudes towards sexuality. This involves promoting non-traditional approaches to pleasure and desire, such as BDSM or polyamory. By recognizing that different individuals have different needs and desires, military couples can openly discuss what works for them rather than relying on societal expectations.
Acknowledging that all identities are valid allows partners to express themselves freely, increasing intimacy and trust between them. Organizations like the Department of Defense (DoD) must work towards creating safe spaces where all genders feel comfortable exploring their sexuality without judgment (Gates et al., 2021). The DoD has made efforts in recent years by developing training programs aimed at educating service members about consent, healthy relationships, and prevention of sexual assault (Singer & Lindsay, 2020).
More must be done to address systemic barriers that marginalize certain identities, including racism, homophobia, and transphobia.
How do gender expectations within military culture impact sexual competence, confidence, and communication?
Gender expectations within military culture have been found to significantly influence sexual competence, confidence, and communication. Studies suggest that traditional masculine norms regarding strength, independence, and dominance can lead to increased levels of sexual objectification and aggression, as well as difficulties with intimacy and vulnerability (Kelly & Cramer, 2018).