ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role that gender plays in paramilitary organizations (POs) and why it is important to consider gender and power when trying to understand paramilitary groups. No discussion of gender and power is complete without recognizing the role of American theorist Judith Butler's notion that gender is constructed through our own repetitive performances. Despite many differences in terms of the political, economic, or cultural aspirations, or motivations for action, most POs share a common and powerful weapon – proficiency in the deployment of gender. As both power brokers and powerful regulators of social customs and standards, some POs use their community influence to regulate acceptable forms of gender and sexuality and punish violators. Influential leaders within POs often interpret and reinterpret gender norms for the group in such a way that members perform tasks for the PO even if the behaviour itself is somewhat contrary to standard interpretations of femininity and masculinity.
