Women, Citizens and Soldiers: The Gender Integration of the Canadian Forces

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this thesis was to do a gender-based policy analysis of the gender integration program of the Canadian Forces, looking specifically at women in the combat arms (Infantry, Armoured, Artillery and Combat Engineers). In researching this thesis, I studied primary policy documents extensively, as well as engaging in both participant and unobtrusive observation at Area Training Centre Meaford and Combat Training Centre Gagetown. The research revealed that, despite recent efforts to achieve gender neutrality by the leadership of the Anny and the Canadian Forces, what it takes to be perceived as a good soldier remains inextricably linked, with what it takes to be perceived as a good man. In other words, life in the combat am1S remains predicated on the male norm. It is my argument that it is exactly this attempt at gender neutrality that inhibits women's integration into the combat arms, by masking the continuance of male privilege through the perception of difference as equivalent with inferiority. This translates not only into unofficial attitudes of soldiers, but also into training standards, equipment and a social infrastructure that assumes that men are the norm. I, therefore, argue that only when women are recognized as different, without assuming physical or social inferiority, will the CF be able to successfully integrate women as equals into the combat arms.</p>