The Double Bind of the Double Standard: Vd Control and the Cwac in World War II

Abstract

WHEN IN OCTOBER 194 o commanding officers were canvassed for their views on employing women in uniform in the Canadian Army, a number cautioned against mingling of the sexes.• Given society's endorsement of monogamous marriage as moral ideal, concern over admission of women into the military was realistic, and precautions were taken when the Canadian Women's Army Corps was created in August •94•. Its initial status as a separate entity, under military control but not part of the Canadian Army, might have been one such precaution. But even after the Corps' incorporation into the Canadian Army (Active) in March • 949, it remained segregated for purposes of discipline and living quarters? Special permission was required for any exception to the protection-in-numbers policy that CWAC personnel were not to be sent on duty assignments in units smaller than twelve? But other restrictions recommended in • 94 o proved impossible. 'Mixing men and women' at some work places was unavoidable. Sexsegregated messing was sometimes inconvenient. And the army could