Reliable Professionals, Sensitive Dads and Tough Fighters

Abstract

The significance and complexity of mostly male-dominated military peacekeeping forces continues to grow globally, as does the complexity of the masculinities performed in them. This article discusses the discourses and performances of peacekeeper masculinities, drawing on a qualitative case study of Finnish peacekeeping forces. The self-image of Finland as a provider of ideal peacekeepers and practising progressive gender policy is critically analysed. Taking the notion of multiple masculinities as a starting point, three indicative categories of Finnish peacekeeper masculinities are examined. Discourses of 'amateur professionals' and 'peacekeeper fathers' create space for military peacekeepers to show aspects of masculinity not associated with traditional military masculinities. The third discourse of 'tough fighters', however, harks back to more traditional 'warrior' concepts. Official gender mainstreaming efforts and assumptions that these attitudes are internalized 'naturally' by Finns are put into question by deprecatory or ambiguous attitudes towards gender equity and sexual exploitation. Despite being part of multi-national forces, peacekeeper masculinities are defined based on presumed notions of 'national character'.---

Peacekeeping masculinities, intersectionality, and gender equality – negotiations of military life and civilian life by Danish soldier/veteran-parents

“…Peacekeeping military masculinities have been presented as challenging hegemonic military masculinities that relate military masculinities to violence (Henry 2017;Mäki-Rahkola and Myrttinen 2014;Belkin and Carver, 2012). Peacekeeping masculinities can be defined as military masculinities that emphasize compassion, dialogue, the use of peaceful means, and place less focus on physical strength and toughness (Duncanson 2013).…”

Preachers, pirates and peace-building: Examining non-violent hegemonic masculinities in Aceh

“…During the Suharto years, in particular, military masculinities were publicly celebrated and viewed as examples to aspire to. As numerous researchers of military and militarized masculinities have noted, although there is no one way of performing masculinities in the military, this applies to the ABRI, TNI and POLRI as well (Barrett, 1996;Basham, 2013;Belkin, 2012;Duncanson, 2015;Mäki-Rahkola & Myrttinen, 2014;Tidy, 2014;Titunik, 2008).…”