Military Forces

• Gender vs. Sex
Masculinity plays an important role in the military. Military organizations form roles and responsibilities that they expect members to adapt to and thus, obey throughout their time serving. Military norms are similar to societal norms in which certain individuals obtain specific titles which require them to adhere to well-defined behaviors. Just like it is used within society, masculinity is a word that is associated with the military quite often. Femininity also has its place within the military just like it does in society. While explaining the importance of masculinity in the military, it is important to appreciate the importance of femininity that runs hand-in-hand with masculinity. Just as important as recognizing the significance of both gender roles, it is also imperative in understanding that masculinity and femininity are gender roles and not sex roles.
George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, once said, “The best defense against terrorism is a strong offensive against terrorists.” This quote portrays the mentality that militaries have all around the world. Within society, this idea of offensive behavior is associated with masculinity, over generalized as men. Within any patriarchal society, the idea of hegemonic masculinity argues that masculinity is superior to femininity and is praised to maintain the hierarchy of power. Another example of this can be seen in a quote by a Pennsylvania Revolutionary War soldier, noted by Gregory T. Knouff, “Ordinary soldiers in the American Revolution were, in fact, significant makers of a new linkage between race, maleness, and claims to the rights of full citizenship.” The problem with this generalized idea is that offensive action is associated with masculinity, and therefore with men.Patience, will power, and other traits are more often associated with femininity and are undervalued. Because of the link between masculinity and men, men are more valued and masculine traits are considered the standard. The difference is masculinity and femininity are genders and men and women can be masculine, feminine, or both.
By recognizing quotes like that of George W. Bush and heroic war soldiers, it is easy to recognize the importance of masculinity within the military. When explaining the importance of masculinity in the military, masculinity refers to those behaviors associated with gender and not sex characteristics. Just as men play an important role in the military, women do too, and both feminine and masculine qualities are important.