Abstract
Today, women are serving in the military in increasingly larger numbers and in greater capacities. However, despite women’s hard work and commitment to our nation, women are prohibited from combat positions, and top leadership positions in the military are foreclosed. Thus, our military women, and women in the rest of society, must live with the constant reminder that they are not quite as good as their male counterparts. Accordingly, this exclusion has a harmful impact by reinforcing the perception women’s inferiority in society. This comment argues that the legal and social bases for excluding women from military positions have changed and should be reconsidered in light of the recent Supreme Court decisions that give less deference to military decisions, changing gender jurisprudence, and repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Finally, this comment suggests ways in which the military’s exclusion of women may be challenged, including legislation, change in military policy, and constitutional challenges. However, the underlying reason for the discrimination against both women and homosexuals in the military is the social construction of the military as a masculine organization. Women and homosexuals, both generally constructed as non-masculine, both detract from that masculine ideal. Accordingly, the solution on a larger scale is by challenging these stereotypes.
Recommended Citation
Angela Rollins,
Act Like a Lady!: Reconsidering Gender Stereotypes & the Exclusion of Women from Combat in Light of Challenges to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”,
36
S. Ill. U. L.J.
355
(2012).
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/siulj/vol36/iss2/6