"Power-over"� and Gendered Divisions Gender politics has been an issue of concern for many years; however, as gender differences become less and less evident, this issue has grown in importance. There is now a fine line between masculinity and femininity. This line is where we run into trouble with the sexes. Traditionally, we see the world in terms of masculine and feminine, attributing the definition of "masculine"� to men, and that of "feminine"� to women. Perhaps a more adequate reading could lead to the amendment of these terms "" a change from defining the sex of the individual, to the defining of specific traits. In doing so, the gap between the sexes could quite possibly be thinned considerably. No longer would men and women feel restrained by stereotypical ideologies concerning who they are, and how they are supposed to act "" especially concerning war.
Traditionally, men are given the power in society, and women are subservient to that power.
English: Female servicemembers at war.
Photograph of two female american soldiers.
Count Felix Graf von Luckner with Brigadier-Genera...In fact, the gendered division of power oppresses women and minimizes their struggles against oppression. It is this masculine power which keeps women from being taken seriously as societal leaders, or leaders of the home, unless they conform to the "masculine"� traits of "competition and aggression"�. But it does not end there; women in power are still expected to maintain the "female"� traits recognized by the nation. Does this seem fair? Why must women inhibit characteristics of both sexes in hopes of maintaining a position of power? Political issues favor men, inasmuch as there is little attention paid to women's issues. This could be attributed to the fact that the presence of women in state power is limited. As a result, women's issues are considered to be invisible. Women are seen as part of the private sphere, which is treated...