Masculinity, femininity and the military: contextualising the debate on women in combat

This paper endeavours to historically situate the increasing participation of women in western militaries in the twentieth century. The paper begins with a brief historical analysis of the military as it has evolved as a social institution over the last four centuries, illustrating how the formation of states and the rationalisation of violence combined to consolidate male dominance in the organisation and conduct of war. In doing so, it attempts to outline how this development has intersected with dominant constructions of masculinity and femininity. The paper then narrows the focus to developments in the twentieth century, specifically the increasing participation of women in core military activities, and argues that current debates about women in the armed forces, particularly in combat roles, can only be understood in light of these historical developments.