Gender Integration and Unit Deployment: A Study of GI Jo
In: Armed forces & society: official journal of the Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society : an interdisciplinary journal, Band 11, Heft 4, S. 523-552
ISSN: 0095-327X
A report on women & men performing operational combat support functions alongside each other in a field-deployed military unit, focusing on the gender integration process. Several major issues are addressed: (1) What feelings does one experience in a field environment under simulated combat conditions & are these feelings gender-specific? (2) What about feminine hygiene concerns & availability of personal care facilities for women in the field? (3) Are women capable of surviving & working effectively under these kinds of conditions? (4) How does incorporating women into a unit affect its combat readiness? After surveying the current literature on these issues, findings of a participant observer in this combat exercise are reported, including an explanation of the awareness & salience of gender in this environment (the "gender consciousness" phenomenon) & the "commonality of experience" hypothesis, which suggests that bonding & cohesion are based on commonality of experience, shared risk, & mutual experiences of hardship, not on gender distinctions. Questions & suggestions for future research are also presented. HA