Women and the Military: Global Lives in Focus - Hardcover

by Ruth Beitler (Author), Sarah Gerstein (Author)

This addition to the Women and Society around the World series explores the roles, challenges, and accomplishments of women in the military in countries across the globe.

Around the world, millions of men serve in their countries' militaries, be it on land, on the seas, or in the air. But while many militaries have opened all positions to women, even those on the front lines, others remain closed. Countries have cited a number of reasons for their policies, including changing views of women and the military, conscription, and economic and demographic trends.

Written by a professor of comparative politics at the United States Military Academy at West Point and an active-duty Army major, this book seeks to provide an understanding of women's roles in militaries around the world. The book is organized by region, exploring societal and cultural views of masculinity and war, as well as factors influencing changing views of women and the military, including conscription and economic and demographic trends. Topics also include sexual harassment, recruitment, and views on women's physicality and strength. High school students, undergraduates, and general readers will find this cross-cultural study a fascinating and important resource.

Author Biography

Ruth Margolies Beitler, PhD, is professor of comparative politics at the United States Military Academy, West Point, USA. She is coauthor of Greenwood's Women's Roles in the Middle East and North Africa.

Sarah M. Gerstein is assistant professor of international relations at the United States Military Academy, West Point, USA. She is an active-duty major in the U.S. Army.