Between Uniform and Stereotype: Women Perceptions of Gender Roles in Operational Contexts

This study explores the perceptions and experiences of gender stereotypes among women officers who have participated in military missions. Drawing on a qualitative research design, the study is based on 12 semi-structured interviews conducted with female military personnel from the Romanian Land Forces, all of whom have deployment experience in operational environments. The research aims to identify how gender stereotypes manifest in the military context, how they are perceived and internalized by women, and how these perceptions influence their professional experiences during missions. The findings reveal that gender stereotypes persist both at institutional and interpersonal levels, often shaping expectations regarding women’s physical capabilities, leadership potential, and emotional resilience. Participants reported encountering both subtle and explicit forms of bias, ranging from differential task assignments to questioning of their professional competence. At the same time, the study highlights adaptive strategies employed by women soldiers, including overperformance, resilience building, and the negotiation of gender identity within a predominantly masculine organizational culture.