(In)Visible Systemic Injustice: a Qualitative Inquiry Into Women's
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(IN)VISIBLE SYSTEMIC INJUSTICE: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY INTO WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN THE CANADIAN MILITARY by Philip McCristall A thesis submitted to the Department of Sociology in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada September, 2020 Copyright ©Philip McCristall, 2020 “Yes, it’s the military, but it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t be accepted because I’m a woman.” (Colonel Jennie Carignan) “I do not identify as a visible minority according to the Statistics Canada definition, however I was a minority in service due to my gender. Being female impacted my integration into military culture!” (Participant) ii Abstract Government bodies housed in Canada are not void of their own systemic issues. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is not any different possessing a traditionally gendered patriarchal white dominant culture that is resistant to the integration and inclusivity of women (Davis 2013; 2009; 2006; Deschamps 2015; Vining 2012; Gouliquer 2011). Kovitz (2018) suggests that the Canadian military is “sexualized and misogynistic” (1) and also referred to it as a “conflict zone for women” (Kovitz 2000:2). Recently, the Canadian military has been faced with several class action law suits surrounding issues regarding experiences with gender and sexual misconduct. This qualitative, exploratory research study inductively investigates military culture highlighting the view that women in the Canadian military space continue to experience systemic issues relating to the gender power differential and systemic discrimination, lack of integration, and sexually inappropriate behaviour from members within the Canadian military. A total of 55 interviews were conducted with women who once served in the Canadian military to gain insight on these highly sensitive, yet timely systemic issues surrounding gender. These women give voice to the systemic (in)visible injustices t they faced while serving in the CAF. A Theoretical explanation, such as Social Constructionism, is superimposed on the data to help navigate a better understanding of the gendered spaces within the military and explore how issues of equality, equity and social justice are understood. Finally, recommendations and insight into policy are discussed. iii Co-authorship Katherine T. Baggaley is a graduate of the Criminology Master’s program formerly the University of Ontario Institute of Technology now known as Ontario Technological University. Her Master’s thesis revolved around the social and psychological aspects of killing by soldiers and police officers. Her research interests include mental health, homicide behaviours, and the social and cultural aspects of military officers. Katherine was a co-author of an earlier version of chapter 3 titled The progressions of a gendered military: A theoretical examination of gender inequality in the Canadian military originally submitted to the Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health and was published on 1 April, 2019. doi:10.3138/jmvfh.2017-0026. iv Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank the women who took the time to participate and give up their time and relive their lived experiences while serving in the Canadian military. Thank you for expressing your feelings, telling me about your intimate moments and personal experiences. Without your voice this dissertation would not be possible. Your intimate experiences have given remarkable insight into a culture that is resistant to the integration of women into its ranks, and for that reason, I am grateful and deeply indebted to all of you. I am not very good at this and there are many people I would like to thank for getting me through this process, but I apologize in advance for not getting all of you. I would also like to thank Dr. Judith Grant for her mentorship and seeing the potential in me to help give these women a voice. I would not be where I am today if it was not for her support and guidance through my years in University. Next, a special mention goes to my friend and Professor Dr. Arshia Zaidi for taking the time to explain and teach me statistics, her positive and supportive demeanor helped me get through it. My friend Katherine, thank you for your professional dedication, personal support, care and compassion during this process. This would not have been possible without your help. I would also like to thank my good friend Erin for her perspective and assistance along the way, her thoughts were very supportive and insightful. Next, a special mention to my good friend Dr. Jordan Babando, you were not only an inspiration, but also my sounding board that enabled me to move forward and think differently about so many different things. Thank you my friend. Completing this dissertation would not be possible without the wisdom and thoughtful insight from my committee members. My supervisor Dr. Annette Burfoot was instrumental in keeping me focused and on track. She was able to steer me in a direction I never thought I would ever be able to do. She pushed me to do more, providing me with the guidance and supportive feedback that I needed. Dr. Burfoot was able to explain things in such away that I could relate and provide perspectives I never thought of. She allowed me to grow independently so that I could mature into a better academic scholar. v Thank you Professor for your mentorship, kindness and compassion, without your supervision none of this would have been possible. Next, I would like to thank Dr. Rob Beamish for believing in me and always confronting me with a smile and willing to help. Your comments along the way have been so helpful and have guided me in framing my thoughts to think more critically and to consider broader ideas to different audiences. Finally, my family. Without them and the sacrifices they have had to endure during this process, I know this would not have been possible. My partner, and best friend Zilda, has always had my back from day one, my son Daniel and daughter Angelina have all been instrumental with their support giving me the strength to get through this long journey. My son Brendan moved back to Ontario recently which has made me very happy. Thank you and I love you all. To my parents...well, I would call them every Thursday evening for all the years in University, to let them know how I was doing. They would always ask “when are you going to be finished?” I would always respond eventually, as soon as I get past this next degree. Well, three degrees later I am at that end of the road and it feels surreal. All these years of studying and writing and living through frustration is finally coming to an end and I am thankful for the experience and would not change a thing. vi Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ iii Co-authorship ............................................................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................v List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................... ix List of Figures ................................................................................................................................................x List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................... xi Chapter 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................1 Chapter 2 Literature Review ..........................................................................................................................6 2.1 Historical Overview of Women in the Canadian Military ...................................................................6 2.2 Social Constructionism ........................................................................................................................9 2.3 Gender Construction and the Female Soldier ....................................................................................10 2.4 Discrimination and Harassment of Women in the Military ...............................................................14 2.7 Conclusion .........................................................................................................................................28 Chapter 3 The Progressions of a Gendered Military: A Theoretical Examination of Gender Inequality in the Canadian Military ..................................................................................................................................30 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................30 3.2 Literature Review ...............................................................................................................................33 3.2.1 Hegemonic Masculinity ..............................................................................................................33 3.2.2 Femininity in the Military Institution .........................................................................................33