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@article{190366,
        author = {Ganesh Kapahi and Abhishek Kumar},
        title = {A Study of Social and Cultural Factors Influencing the Induction of Women in Combat Roles in the Indian Armed Forces},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {8},
        pages = {2257-2267},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190366},
        abstract = {There are many social and cultural factors that affect the induction of women in combat roles in the Indian Armed Forces. Conventional beliefs that associate combat roles with masculinity create challenges for the integration of women into the Armed Forces, especially when women have to balance their military duties with family responsibilities. India's patriarchal system challenges women's equality in the military, wherein sometimes their authority and leadership skills may also be questioned. Many soldiers hailing from rural areas and having conservative gender views may find it difficult to accept women in leadership roles. Concerns have also been raised about unit cohesion potentially being affected by social dynamics and traditional gender roles. The expectation from women to prioritize family responsibilities, combined with the difficulties of balancing military and family duties, often discourages them from pursuing combat roles. Media depictions also perpetuate stereotypes and influence public perception and acceptance of women in combat roles. Although attitudes are slowly changing, significant barriers still hinder the participation of women in combat roles in the Indian Armed Forces. This study analyzes the social and cultural factors that influence the induction of women in combat roles within the Indian Armed Forces.},
        keywords = {gender biases, patriarchal, physiological, stereotyped, unit cohesion.},
        month = {January},
        }