Exploring Gender Perspectives Among Gendarmerie and Army Cadets at the Portuguese Military Academy: A Comprehensive Analysis

This study analyzes the Gendarmerie and Army cadets’ gender-related matters within the Portuguese Military Academy (PMA), drawing from a survey conducted among over 400 cadets enrolled in that institution during 2022. By conducting a descriptive analysis of original survey data, this research seeks to identify emerging indicators that shed light on shifts within institutional leadership. The focus is on cadets' opinions concerning gender equality and its implementation process. Comparison and discussion of contemporary findings with those from earlier surveys, conducted with cadets who attended the PMA in 2016, provided valuable insights. The results primarily reveal that secondary socialization patterns among gendarmerie cadets are not significantly distinct from those observed in the Army. Notably, within the Gendarmerie, the military context emerges as a significant influencer in advocating specific agendas, such as the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. A noteworthy discovery emerges from the fact that 40% of the surveyed cadets expressed reservations about assigning women to combat roles. This underscores the imperative to consistently monitor dimensions aimed at aligning institutional decisions and internal communication. Overall, the responses offered by cadets underscore the urgency of addressing institutional barriers, fostering inclusive training, and challenging traditional gender norms to facilitate substantive advancements in the pursuit of gender equality measures.