Postage stamps mirror societal perceptions. Human societies have long associated masculinity with power, dominance, and conquest, while feminism emphasizes empathy, equality, and care. Thus, scars and destruction from wars are masculine, and healing is feminine. This depiction of care has also come from some of the most dominant patriarchal societies in the world.
Traditional masculinity has often been tied to ideas of strength, honor, and dominance. In many cultures, leaders and warriors have been expected to prove their masculinity through victory, territorial expansion, or military power. These expectations have encouraged competition between nations and leaders, sometimes escalating conflicts into wars.
Throughout history, many wars were justified through rhetoric that celebrated bravery, aggression, and national pride—traits commonly linked with conventional masculinity. When political leaders equate strength with military action, diplomacy and compromise may be viewed as weakness, making peaceful solutions harder to achieve.
Feminism, on the other hand, advocates for equality, empathy, and the recognition of human dignity. Feminist perspectives often challenge hierarchical power structures and promote collaboration instead of domination.
In the context of conflict and recovery, feminist approaches emphasize care, community support, and social justice. Feminist scholars and activists argue that sustainable peace requires addressing the needs of civilians, particularly women and children who are disproportionately affected by war.
Furthermore, feminism challenges the idea that care is a weakness. Instead, it frames care-giving as a powerful and essential part of society. After wars devastate communities, it is often care work—nursing the injured, supporting families, rebuilding schools and homes—that restores social life.
Historically, women’s movements have played important roles in peace activism and humanitarian work. Their work highlights the importance of care-giving and social well-being, values that are sometimes undervalued in traditional political systems.
The contrast between masculinity starting wars and feminism providing care encourages societies to rethink the values they prioritize. These are in-fact metaphorical states, and not strictly linked to gender.
There are numerous examples of men who have adopted ‘feminist’ role of care and peace. On the other hand there are instances when women have taken up ‘masculine’ role of waging a war. Probably genders were assigned to these roles, as we mostly live in a system that rewards aggression and undervalues empathy and care. Healthcare, with that analogy is a ‘feminist’ profession, where all genders have a space.
When societies glorify conquest and militarism, conflict becomes normalized. Systems that prioritize dominance, control, and violence are actually harmful for social well-being. History is replete with examples, wherein aggressors got so engulfed in hate-spiral, it ended in destruction and downfall.
There is a need to challenge harmful ‘gender norms’ and to promote compassion. As societies oscillate and veer away to ‘masculinity’, we need more of powerful ‘feminism’ to create a more cooperative and humane world.
Very contextual Dr Rajnish when we are in the midst of another war