The veiled battle in the identity construction of women in the Brazilian Air Force

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36517/contextus.2026.96900

Keywords:

military women; identity; Brazilian Air Force; gender; military context.

Abstract

Background: Identities are sources of meaning for individuals. They are shaped by specific features of the culture, groups, and environments in which people live, particularly through shared meanings. Identity constitution is also intertwined with the work environment, especially in non-traditional organizations where relevant disparities exist among workers, as in the case examined in this study: military women in the Brazilian Air Force (BAF). 

Purpose: The objective of this study is to understand how military women construct their identities in their work context, considering motivational and environmental aspects. 

Method: To achieve the following results, semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection technique. Fifteen military women serving in the BAF at various hierarchical levels were interviewed, and the data were examined using content analysis.

Results: The main results indicate that military women’s identities are strengthened by motivation, a sense of belonging, and overcoming challenges, although gender-related barriers and manifestations of the glass ceiling persist within military careers.

Conclusions: Although formal equality has expanded women’s participation, subtle barriers and gendered expectations remain, requiring women to continuously demonstrate their competence. The study contributes to the understanding of identity construction in male-dominated organizations and highlights the need for institutional policies that promote not only women’s access but also their retention, recognition, and career progression.

Author Biographies

  • Samantha Frohlich, State University of Paraná (UNESPAR)

    Professor at the State University of Paraná (UNESPAR)

    PhD in Business Administration from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)

  • Mariane Lemos Lourenço, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)

    Professor at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)

    PhD in Social Psychology from the University of São Paulo (USP)

  • Mara Rosalia Ribeiro Silva, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM)

    Administrator and director of the Strategic Planning Department at the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM)

    PhD in Business Administration from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)

  • Camilla Fernandes , Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)

    PhD in Business Administration from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)

  • Lady Day Pereira de Souza, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondônia (IFRO)

    Professor at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondônia (IFRO)

    PhD in Business Administration from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR)

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Published

09/30/2026

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Vol. 24: jan/dec 2026

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Scientific Articles

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How to Cite

The veiled battle in the identity construction of women in the Brazilian Air Force. (2026). Contextus - Revista Contemporânea De Economia E Gestão, 24, e96900. https://doi.org/10.36517/contextus.2026.96900