Being a woman in a man’s military: The impact of military service on the lives of older U.S. women veterans
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Carroll, A., & Kirchen, T. (2024). Being a woman in a man’s military: The impact of military service on the lives of older U.S. women veterans. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0024
Abstract Created by REACH:
Older women Veterans are an understudied population with unique minority experiences. In this qualitative study, 5 women Veterans over the age of 65 were interviewed about their past military service. They were asked to reflect on their motivation for joining the military, experiences while serving, and the lifelong influence of their military service. The identified themes revealed that, overall, participants felt their military service had a positive influence in their life, even in the face of enduring gender-based discrimination and harassment.
Focus:
Deployment
Veterans
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Very old (85 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Carroll, Amanda, Kirchen, Twylla
Abstract:
This qualitative study explored the experiences of older U.S. women Veterans regarding their experiences and perceptions of their time in military service and its overall impact on their lives. Five women Veterans participated in interviews that were analyzed and resulted in four main themes: 1) family military history, 2) being treated differently and proving themselves, 3) making the most of opportunities, and 4) lasting personal strengths. Findings from this study highlight how, despite enduring negative experiences during military service because of gender, participants credited the military with having an overall positive impact on their lives in the long term. This study suggests that health care interventions and services that tap into positive aspects of military service, as identified by older women Veterans (i.e., personal strengths such as resilience and pride), may have the potential to promote the health and well-being of this population.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
women veterans, female service members, military experience
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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