The concept of gender is widely accepted to be socially constructed, meaning that it is shaped by cultural expectations and norms rather than biological differences between men and women. Gender roles are commonly defined as sets of attributes, behaviors, and patterns of thoughts that society expects from individuals based on their assigned gender at birth. These roles can include everything from physical appearance to social interaction, and they often differ greatly between cultures. Military subculture is one such culture that has distinct ideas about what constitutes masculinity and femininity, which have been studied extensively by scholars in various disciplines.
Masculine and Feminine Traits
Military subcultures around the world typically emphasize traits associated with traditional masculinity such as strength, bravery, aggression, independence, stoicism, and competitiveness. These traits are generally considered desirable for those serving in combat roles but may also influence noncombatant personnel.
In many militaries around the world, including the United States, men who display these traits are more likely to advance in rank and receive promotions. This creates a sense of pressure for male soldiers to conform to these ideals in order to succeed within the military hierarchy. At the same time, some aspects of femininity are also valued in military subculture, particularly compassion, empathy, nurturing, and emotional intelligence. Women who possess these qualities are sometimes seen as having an advantage over their male counterparts because they can provide support and comfort in times of crisis or distress.
Emotional Expression
Military subcultures tend to frown upon expressions of emotion outside of specific contexts, such as during funerals or after successful missions. Emotional expression is not encouraged in general, especially among men, and emotions like fear, sadness, or vulnerability are often discouraged or even ridiculed. Men are expected to be stoic, tough, and unemotional in most situations.
There are exceptions to this rule, such as in the case of comradeship or camaraderie between soldiers on the battlefield. In these moments, men may show affection and vulnerability towards one another without judgment. This creates a paradoxical situation where expressing strong emotions in public is taboo but acceptable in private settings with close friends.
Impact on Sexuality and Intimacy
The strict gender roles and limited emotional expression that exist in military subculture can have a significant impact on sexuality and intimacy.
Women who serve in the military may face pressure to conform to masculine traits, while men may feel pressure to suppress their own emotions in order to fit into the dominant narrative. This can lead to challenges in forming healthy romantic relationships both within and outside of the military.
The emphasis on physical strength and bravery can create an environment where sexual harassment and assault may occur more frequently than in other professions. Military leaders must take steps to address these issues and create safe spaces for all genders to express themselves fully and freely without fear of repercussions.
Military subculture shapes ideas about masculinity, femininity, and acceptable emotional expression by emphasizing certain traits associated with each gender and discouraging others. These norms can create barriers to healthy relationships and intimacy within and beyond the military community. It is essential for leaders to acknowledge and address these issues to promote inclusivity and respect across all ranks and genders. By doing so, they can create a more positive and productive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
How does military subculture shape ideas about masculinity, femininity, and acceptable emotional expression?
Military culture shapes ideas about masculinity, femininity, and acceptable emotional expression by emphasizing strength, resilience, and stoicism as essential characteristics of both genders. The culture promotes the idea that men should be tough and emotionally distant while women are expected to be strong and independent but also nurturing.