| dc.description.abstract | Gender integration in state militaries is of current focus based on the arguments for the institution of equal gender opportunities in the profession. Yet, debate remains regarding the impact of policies aimed at this in militaries. The existing literature is, however, mainly Western focused with no reflections of the Nigerian context. This research explores the implementation of a gender integration policy in the Nigerian military to show how its particular historical and social context differentiates its experiences and impact from those of other militaries. It examines how the emerging changes with the policy adoption in 2011 are coming to bear on the Nigerian military’s gendered culture. The central question is: ‘how are the evolving changes in the Nigerian military impacting the institution and shaping its gender culture?’ I used semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions in generating primary data in addition to the existing literature for exploring this question and four sub-questions. From a feminist sociological institutionalist perspective, I argue that the Nigerian military is a gendered institution with overt sexist norms and practices which are shaped by the particular patriarchal culture of the Nigerian society. Also, that the adoption of the Gender Integration Policy, a liberal policy, by the Nigerian government is an emulation of Western militaries to show conformity with international norms of gender equality and portray a liberal image of the Nigerian state and its military. The policy has, however, encountered internal resistance against its liberal principles and a decoupling has occurred between its principles and the gender culture of the Nigerian military. A closer look, though, I argue, identifies some micro-level structural changes which are impacting the career opportunities and status of servicewomen, which have the potential to instigate further shifts in gender relations pattern in the Nigerian military, and society, in the long run. | en_GB |
