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Regendering the South African army: Inclusion, reversal and displacement

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  • Nina Wilén
  • Lindy Heinecken

Abstract

This article examines the extent to which the participation of women in the military furthers or hinders the displacement of gendered dichotomies and whether this brings about more transformative change to military institutions. Based on research of the South African National Defence Force, the authors argue that although typical ‘feminine’ qualities at times are valued in peace operations, this has not contributed to a transformation of gender relations in the military. The authors identify the lack of change as due to a deep‐seated patriarchal culture in South Africa and essentialist discourses that affect women's identities as soldiers. Three discourses are identified in the interviews which accentuate this phenomenon: civilianizing, sexualizing and victimizing discourses. While these discourses are not necessarily negative to female soldiers' inclusion in the military, the focus on differences related to gender stereotypes renders a displacement of gendered hierarchies and consequently also a regendered military difficult.

Suggested Citation

  • Nina Wilén & Lindy Heinecken, 2018. "Regendering the South African army: Inclusion, reversal and displacement," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(6), pages 670-686, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:25:y:2018:i:6:p:670-686
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12257
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen Graaff & Lindy Heinecken, 2017. "Masculinities and gender-based violence in South Africa: A study of a masculinities-focused intervention programme," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(5), pages 622-634, September.
    2. Jewkes, Rachel & Abrahams, Naeema, 2002. "The epidemiology of rape and sexual coercion in South Africa: an overview," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 55(7), pages 1231-1244, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jessica Williams & Sophie Yates & James Connor, 2024. "Creating a new pathway for change in the military using gender as process," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 211-226, January.
    2. Alison Sheridan & Lucie Newsome, 2021. "Tempered disruption: Gender and agricultural professional services," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(3), pages 1040-1058, May.
    3. Tair Karazi‐Presler, 2020. "Note passing as gendered practices of public ambiguity in a hyper‐masculine organization," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(4), pages 615-631, July.

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