Abstract :
[en] In the context of ageing Belgian armed forces, there is a significant need to recruit a new workforce (Manigart & Resteigne, 2015). Additionally, internal diversity has already been identified as a relevant means of insuring tolerance, respect for differences, and better preparation for facing new or confusing environments (Schneider & Barsoux, 2014). Promoting the Army as a possible employer to groups that historically have been underrepresented, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals or people from diverse ethnic backgrounds became a cultural but also practical need for change, that is rather tolerated than appreciated (Manigart & Resteigne, 2015) in this type of organization.
The Belgian Defence has been a pioneer in recruiting women with ranks legally opening in 1975, yet progress has been slow and 2023 marked the first year of attaining 10% of women in their workforce. Diversity research programs at the Belgian Royal Military Academy have questioned the inclusion and well-being of new recruits, especially when group homogeneity is still seen as a prerequisite among armed forces (Ibid.). Indeed, consistent observations in traditionally male-dominated fields (police, firework departments, STEM…) suggest that including individuals who don’t fit the norm remains an arduous process (Boussard, Loriol & Caroly, 2007; Epiphane, 2016; Lapeyre, 2002; Malochet, 2007; Pfefferkorn, 2006; Pruvost, 2007). The scientific literature has described the military institution as essential in defining hegemonic masculinity (Connell, 1995) and constructing a model of an “ideal man” (Duncanson, 2019) in a military-virile model, through rigorous training (Marly, 2018).
The aim of this study is to analyze gender and professional identity construction, as well as patterns of domination legitimacy in the context of the Belgian Armed Forces' initial training. This will be achieved through participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The presentation will include a theoretical framework, research questions, and a description of the methodological approach and challenges.
