The Birkenhead Drill and Beyond: The Gendered Implications of War
The repercussions of war reverberate through affected communities and society more broadly, yet the consequences are not distributed equally. Men and women brunt distinct tolls, evident from collateral damage to mass displacements. This disparity underscores the gendered implications of armed conflict, perpetuating patriarchal and hyper-masculine challenges, including the victimization of women and the stigmatization men’s mental health issues.
Visual Credit: Birmingham Museums Trust
The hyper-masculinization of war and armed conflict not only reinforces hegemonic masculinity and macho-man stereotypes, but positions women as “victims” of war in need of saving. Hegemonic masculinity is a concept that explains men's power over women; some values and features of hegemonic masculinity include “a hierarchy of masculinities, differential access among men to power (over women and other men), and the interplay between men’s identity, men’s ideals, interactions, power, and patriarchy.” War is masculinized in the way that the traits of a soldier at battle are closely tied to the traits of a hegemonic male, and the victims of war are associated with women and children. The Birkenhead drill, also known as a code of conduct, whereby the lives of women and children are to be saved first in hopeless, dire, conflict-ridden circumstances, is a prime example of this. This conduct reiterates the narrative that women need saving, and that men are fine to fend for themselves without help, even in the most brutal conditions. Not only does this victimize women, but it also leads men to be 1.3 to 8.9 times more likely to die a directly conflict-related death during war. Women, however, are in no way immune to death amid war. In fact, women are more likely to die of indirect causes after the conflict has subsided. The ongoing war in Gaza serves as a poignant contemporary example, whereby 1 million displaced individuals in Gaza are women and girls out of a population of 2.3 million.
The concept of hegemonic masculinity is a formidable force, impacting the lives of women and leaving men caught in a web of unrealistic power structures. This phenomenon not only oppresses and silences women but also leaves men ostracized and hesitant to seek help. The result is a persistent men’s mental health crisis, fuelled by structures that shame and punish vulnerability.
In discussions surrounding the devastating effects of war, the health and safety of women and children frequently take centre-stage, often relegating the mental wellbeing of men. Essentially, men are expected to fend for themselves, perpetuating a narrative that grossly overlooks their struggles. This toll extends beyond victims to the combatants themselves. According to the Disabled American Veterans organization, up to 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When men are excluded from conversations on vulnerability, it reinforces macho, hegemonic masculine stereotypes, and hinders men's ability to seek mental and physical support, whether that be in a war-torn setting or elsewhere. The consequences are far-reaching and affect individuals, communities, and society at large.
Men and women are disproportionately affected by war, due to hegemonic masculinities that reinforce gendered ideals of soldiers and victims, exacerbated by practices like the Birkenhead drill. It is important to recognize that men’s and women’s wellbeing is equally important, particularly in times of conflict. By dismantling these entrenched narratives, we can foster more inclusive discourse that recognizes the diverse impacts of war and work towards a society less susceptible to the cyclical nature of violence.
Layla (she/her) is a third-year Politics major, Philosophy minor, and Editorials Editor at Political Digest.