Gender Parity and Quality of Life in Greek Military Personnel

Abstract

Gender equality is a fundamental principle of modern democratic societies and is linked both to the guarantee of equal rights and opportunities and to broader dimensions of social well-being and quality of life. In this context, it is particularly interesting to examine gender equality in organizational environments characterized by a strong hierarchical structure, strict operating rules, and historically male-dominated traits, such as the Armed Forces. This paper theoretically examines the relationship between gender equality and quality of life within the Greek Armed Forces, focusing both on the institutional and social dimensions of equality and on the impact that gender attitudes, organizational cultures, and professional roles may have on the daily experiences of officers. The analysis is structured around four main themes: first, the conceptual and theoretical approach to gender equality; second, the specific characteristics of the Armed Forces as a unique work and institutional environment; third, the concept of quality of life and the factors that influence it in the military context; and fourth, the Greek dimension of the issue. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that gender equality is not only a legal or ethical requirement but also an important factor in improving the quality of life, professional well-being, and cohesion of personnel in the Greek Armed Forces.