Conceptualizing the Tensions Evoked by Gender Integration in the Military

The South African Case

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2341029
AutoresLindy Heinecken (0000-0003-1315-0000, University of Steilenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, autor correspondente)
Ano2017
Volume43
Fascículo2
Páginas202-220
Data de publicação2017-04-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoArmed Forces & Society (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0095-327X • E-ISSN: 1556-0848
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0095327x16670692
OpenAlexW2549318549
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas15
Referências citadas26

The South African military has adopted an assertive affirmative action campaign to ensure that women are represented across all ranks and branches. This has brought about new tensions in terms of gender integration, related to issues of equal opportunities and meritocracy as well as the accommodation of gender difference and alternative values. The argument is made that the management of gender integration from a gender-neutral perspective cannot bring about gender equality, as it obliges women to conform to and assimilate masculine traits. This affects women's ability to function as equals, especially where feminine traits are not valued, where militarized masculinities are privileged and where women are othered in ways that contribute to their subordination. Under such conditions, it is exceedingly difficult for women to bring about a more androgynous military culture espoused by gender mainstreaming initiatives and necessary for the type of missions military personnel are engaged in today

Argument (complex analysis) · Assertiveness · Function (biology) · Gender equality · Gender mainstreaming · Masculinity · Meritocracy · Perspective (graphical) · Political science · Sociology · Subordination (linguistics) · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Law · Military, Security, and Education Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology