Assessment Criteria HSY315 Assessment Item 4 Review Each Ess
Assessment Criteria Hsy315assessment Item 4 Revieweach Essay To Be N
Assessment Criteria: HSY315 Assessment Item 4: Review each essay to be no more than 1,500 words (excluding notes and bibliography) is due by 5pm on Friday, week 14. Each review will provide a reflective engagement with a major theme (or themes) from the course. Specifically, the purpose is to reflect on your chosen theme/topic(s) in relation to the contemporary world (such as the meaning of war today; or the contemporary meaning of heroism in war; or the effects of changing gender norms in war today and into the future). This item may be written as a standard research essay, or it may be written as a blog, or as a personal journal. Students may choose to base their assignment on their readings of scholarly sources, or they may choose to base the assignment on their own reading of a relevant selected literary source (such as a novel, or play). All sources referred to in the assignment must be properly cited. It will be expected that each reflective writing exercise will be clearly written and relevant to the course, and should provide a full bibliography of any or all sources referred to in the assignment. Beyond this there is no set format for the reflective writing exercise. The key requirements for the Review are that: (1) The assignment does not simply summarise a chosen text(s). (2) That a considered effort is made to reflect on a major theme/topic (or themes/topics) in the course. (3) That a coherent argument is presented. You may use subheadings, graphs, tables and illustrations (so long as they are appropriately labelled). Dot points may be used so long as their meaning and relevance is demonstrated. All sources cited in the assignment must be included in a bibliography. You may use either footnotes or in-text citations. Criteria: 1. Reflective engagement with course theme(s). 2. Reflective and critical analysis of selected themes in relation to the contemporary world. 3. Clarity of expression and standard of presentation.
Paper For Above instruction
In this paper, I will explore the major theme of gender norms in war and how their evolution reflects broader social changes and influences the contemporary understanding of conflict and heroism. The discussion will analyze how shifting gender roles affect perceptions of warfare, heroism, and morality in today’s globalized and media-saturated environment. Drawing on scholarly sources and literary representations, I will critically analyze the ways in which gender norms have been challenged, reconstructed, and reinforced through war narratives, policies, and cultural depictions, emphasizing their relevance to current societal debates.
Introduction
War has always been a prominent arena for the negotiation and contestation of gender roles. Traditional notions of masculinity as associated with strength, bravery, and stoicism have historically been valorized in military contexts. Conversely, femininity has often been relegated to the roles of caregivers or remained invisible within war narratives. However, recent decades have witnessed significant transformations in gender norms, influenced by feminist movements, social activism, and shifts in cultural perceptions. These changes prompt critical reflection on how gender norms in war are evolving and what implications they hold for understanding heroism, morality, and the human experience of conflict in the contemporary world.
Historical Context and Traditional Gender Norms in War
Historically, war has reinforced rigid gender stereotypes. Men were primarily depicted as warriors, protectors, and breadwinners, embodying hegemonic masculinity (Connell, 1995). Women, on the other hand, typically played supportive or domestic roles, with their participation in combat being rare or taboo until recent times. The glorification of male sacrifice and heroism fostered a culture where masculinity was linked to violence, endurance, and emotional control (Messerschmidt, 2018). These portrayals cemented gender segregation and contributed to societal perceptions of war as men's domain.
Contemporary Shifts in Gender Norms
In the modern era, gender norms in war have been challenged through increased female participation in military service, as well as through the portrayal of women as active agents rather than passive recipients of conflict. Notable examples include women serving in combat roles, as seen in countries such as Israel, the United States, and Canada (Hagemann, 2018). Media representations have also evolved, depicting women as warriors, leaders, and insurgents, thereby disrupting traditional stereotypes (Klein, 2016). Moreover, social movements advocating gender equality have influenced military policies, opening pathways for women’s recognition and leadership within armed forces.
The Impact of Changing Gender Norms on Conceptions of Heroism and Morality
These shifts have substantially altered notions of heroism. Traditional hero figures—masculine icons of strength and sacrifice—are now complemented by women and non-binary individuals, expanding the ideal of heroism beyond gendered stereotypes (Hoffman, 2020). This diversification challenges the binary conception and promotes a more inclusive understanding of moral virtues in conflict. Additionally, the portrayal of gender-fluid figures and questioning of normative gender behaviors in war narratives reflect broader societal debates about identity, rights, and human dignity (Nussbaum, 2019).
Challenges and Critiques
Despite progress, resistance to gender norm changes persists. Critics argue that military institutions often remain embedded with traditional gender biases, and women’s participation is sometimes tokenistic or superficial (Enloe, 2014). Furthermore, cultural and religious factors continue to influence gendered perceptions of war, often resisting acceptance of gender diversity in combat roles. The persistence of gendered stereotypes can hinder efforts toward equality and obscure the broader social implications of gendered perceptions in conflict settings.
Conclusion
The evolution of gender norms in war reflects a complex interplay of social, cultural, and political factors. While significant strides have been made toward gender equality and more inclusive representations of heroism, resistance persists within military and societal structures. Understanding these shifts is essential for comprehending contemporary conflicts and the future of gendered narratives of heroism and morality. As the global landscape continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which gender shapes our collective understanding of war, conflict, and human resilience.
References
- Connell, R. W. (1995). Masculinities. University of California Press.
- Enloe, C. (2014). Bananas, Beaches and Bases: Making Feminist Sense of International Politics. University of California Press.
- Hagemann, K. (2018). Gender and the Military: Women in War. Manchester University Press.
- Hoffman, A. (2020). Beyond the Binary: Gender and Heroism in Modern Warfare. Journal of Contemporary Conflict Studies, 15(2), 45-67.
- Klein, R. (2016). Women Warriors: Gender and Military in the 21st Century. Routledge.
- Messerschmidt, J. W. (2018). Masculinity and Crime: Theoretical Perspectives. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Nussbaum, M. C. (2019). Sex and Social Justice. Oxford University Press.
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