Women in the combat arms: A question of attitudes?

Abstract

Examining change in any organization can be a difficult task, especially in an organization as complex as the military. With the assistance of civilianization theory, we will examine change within the Canadian Forces imposed by outside civilian legislation (external pressure). In particular, we will examine the integration of women in the combat arms, a result of federal human rights legislation (1989). Issues that are discussed include a brief history of women in combat, arguments used against the participation of women in combat environments, the masculine nature of the military, and the training standards and physical requirements within the Canadian Forces.