Managing Sex in the U.S. Military: Gender, Identity, and Behavior

The U.S. military's policies on sex, gender, and sexuality have shaped the experiences of tens of millions of Americans, and the essays in Managing Sex in the U.S. Military examine these policies and their outcomes. The collection focuses on the military's evolving definitions of sex, sexuality, and gender and their significance to the military and American society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 364 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The United States military is a vast and influential institution that has profoundly impacted the lives of tens of millions of Americans, shaping their experiences in significant and enduring ways. The essays in Managing Sex in the U.S. Military delve into the historical and contemporary policies governing sex, gender, and sexuality within the military, offering diverse perspectives on the overarching question: "How does the U.S. military attempt to manage sex?" This collection specifically focuses on the historical and ongoing efforts of the U.S. military to regulate and control sex, a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses gender and gender identity, sexuality and sexual orientation, as well as sexual behaviors and practices.

In each chapter, the authors examine the evolving definitions of sex, sexuality, and gender within the military and their profound implications for both the military and American society. They explore the historical roots of these policies, the social and cultural contexts in which they have developed, and the ways in which they have shaped the experiences of service members and their families.

The essays in Managing Sex in the U.S. Military shed light on the complex interplay between military culture, gender norms, and sexual orientation, highlighting the challenges and complexities faced by service members and their advocates. They examine the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault within the military, the inadequate response to these issues, and the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and sexual diversity within the ranks.

The authors also explore the impact of military policies on the broader military's ability to recruit and retain talent, as well as on the broader societal implications of these policies. They argue that the military's continued emphasis on traditional gender roles and sexual orientation can limit its ability to adapt to changing societal norms and that a more inclusive and equitable approach to managing sex is necessary to ensure the well-being and effectiveness of the military.

Overall, Managing Sex in the U.S. Military is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about sex, gender, and sexuality in the military. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the historical and contemporary policies governing sex within the military, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by service members, their families, and American society as a whole.

ISBN-13: 9781496229885