Soviet and American Airwomen During World War II: A Comparison of Their Formation, Treatment and Dismissal
Abstract
Despite female participation in combat across time and geographical boundaries, the study of women in military history is a relatively new scholarly endeavor. Women have participated in all types of armed conflict, yet prominent military historians such as John Keegan dismiss their participation and categorize war as a completely masculine activity. World War II provides an interesting setting to study women and warfare because the belligerent countries mobilized millions of women for the war effort, both in civilian and military capacities. In the Soviet Union, hundreds of thousands of women took up arms and served in the Red Army. Conversely, in the United States, women entered military service but never served as front-line combatants. In addition, Soviet women entered the completely masculine world of combat aviation. Women served as aviators in the U.S. military as well, but the military establishment never sent them into combat and considered them civilians until decades after the war's conclusion. A comparative analysis that discusses the recruitment of female pilots, the reason women served, their performance, and their mistreatment after the war can be instructive. This study will reveal the reasons for society's persistent use of traditional gender roles despite the actual demonstrated capabilities and performance of women in military service, specifically aviation. Perhaps even more importantly, this study will provide insight into the situation women find themselves in the United States and Russian Air Forces today.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA416572
Entities
People
- Beth A. Myers
Organizations
- University of Utah