Experiences of Officer Cadets in Canadian Military Colleges and Civilian Universities: A Gender Perspective

Abstract

This study examined gender differences in the experiences of 923 officer cadets attending Canadian Military Colleges and 135 officer cadets attending civilian universities who completed a survey. Overall, the findings revealed that the experience of officer cadets in civilian universities was more positive, gender neutral, and their institutions’ values and culture were a better fit for them compared to their peers in Canadian Military Colleges. For officer cadets in Canadian Military Colleges, the results revealed that women were less likely to perceive gender equality in the way they were treated, the fairness of complaint mechanisms, and being treated with respect compared to men. Men in Canadian Military Collegess were less likely to perceive gender equality in performance standards than women. There were no gender differences in experiences for officer cadets in civilian universities.

Keywords

gender issues military colleges military culture Canada

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