First-Term Enlisted Marine Corps Women: Their Backgrounds and Experiences

摘要

An accurate description of Marine Corps women was needed for policy planning to counteract negative stereotypes. A representative sample of women in their first enlistments and their supervisors was surveyed concerning their backgrounds and experiences. In general, negative stereotypes were unfounded. The Marines were typical young women with interests in combining a career with marriage and a family. The majority did clerical work. Both clerical and nonclerical workers were rated as above average performers. Although negative attitudes toward women and instances of sexual harassment were reported, most women reported acceptance on the job. Many supervisors reported that having a woman in the group had a positive effect on the group's attitudes toward women in the Marine Corps. More traditional women were less satisfied and adjusted than less traditional women, particularly in nontraditional settings.