Stigmatized identities and masculine identity work of U.S. Servicewomen

• In Event: 2363 - Masculinities I

Abstract

In this paper, I explore how servicewomen “do masculinity” in the military context in attempt to gain insider status in this masculine institution. Servicewomen perform identity work in a hyper-masculine context that often devalues women. Although women serve in the military, this does not automatically grant them an association with masculinity—rather their inclusion is constantly called into question and they are cast as inappropriate service-members. This paper examines how women navigate being cast into stigmatized feminine identities while trying to demonstrate their masculinity. Because the military is a near-total institution, they must navigate this tension in a variety of contexts such as in the workplace, in social settings, and in their places of residence (for those who live on base). I also show how women adopt stereotypes cast upon them by servicemen and self-stigmatize as well as use these same stereotypes to stigmatize other women.

Author

• Stephanie Bonnes, University of Colorado, Boulder