Women in Uniform: The Role of Women in State Militaries

• In Event: Gender and Security

Abstract

Women have historically been excluded from combat roles in state militaries. However, in recent years, women’s growing involvement in combat roles has sparked public debate over whether women should be allowed to take on such roles. Currently, fewer than 20 countries allow women, in any capacity, into their combat forces. Given the policy relevance, it is important to examine the conditions under which militaries will allow women into combat roles. Using data from 1980-2010, I find that countries are more likely to open combat roles to women in state militaries when women’s status is high and when countries have technologically advanced militaries. However, I do not find evidence that combat roles are more likely to be opened to women when countries are involved in militarized disputes. These results are consistent with the idea that women will be more likely to be incorporated into combat roles in countries with high levels of gender equality but in which militaries are more technologically advanced and do not engage in conventional warfare.

Author

• Michael James Soules, Pennsylvania State University