Soldiers face unique challenges when it comes to their careers. They must balance the demands of service with personal identities and relationships. This can be particularly difficult for those who identify as LGBTQ+, women, people of color, or have other marginalized identities. In this essay, I will explore how different types of military personnel perceive the relationship between identity disclosure and career advancement.
Let's define what I mean by "identity." Identity is a socially constructed concept that refers to a person's sense of self in relation to social groups and cultural norms. It includes factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, nationality, socioeconomic status, etc. Disclosure refers to sharing one's identity with others. It can be done intentionally or unintentionally through behaviors, language, clothing, or physical appearance.
Someone may disclose their religious beliefs by wearing a hijab or participating in a prayer group.
Let's look at how soldiers perceive the relationship between identity disclosure and career advancement. According to research, many soldiers believe there are trade-offs involved. On the one hand, disclosing certain identities (such as sexuality) can lead to hostility from peers and supervisors, which can negatively impact performance evaluations and promotions.
Other studies show that some forms of identity disclosure (such as being a woman) can actually boost career success if used strategically.
Soldiers who feel comfortable disclosing aspects of themselves can benefit from increased job satisfaction and better work-life balance.
It's important to remember that every soldier's experience is unique. Some may feel more pressure to conform to traditional gender roles while others may face greater challenges due to racial or ethnic stereotypes. Therefore, military leaders should take steps to create inclusive environments where all types of people feel safe and supported in their careers. This could include training on unconscious bias, promoting diverse role models, and providing resources for support networks.
Soldiers have complex relationships with their identities and careers. While some see disclosure as risky, others find it empowering and beneficial. To ensure equal opportunities for all members of the armed forces, we must continue to address these issues head-on through education and policy changes.
How do soldiers perceive the relationship between identity disclosure and career advancement?
Soldiers may perceive that sharing their identity can impact their chances of advancing in their careers. This perception is likely influenced by personal experiences and cultural contexts. While some soldiers may feel comfortable openly discussing their identities with colleagues and superiors, others may prefer to keep certain aspects private for fear of discrimination or stigmatization. The impact of identity disclosure on career advancement varies across individuals, organizations, and industries.