Sex and Power in the US Military
Helen Benedict, professor at Columbia University’s School of Journalism (Photo: Soho Press)
Power and power differentials seemed to play a role in the consensual relationship at the heart of the Petraeus scandal.
But they may also be a factor in the troubling incidence of sexual harassment and rape among our nation’s armed forces.
Helen Benedict has spent a career looking at sexual assault and abuse in the military.
She’s a professor at Columbia University’s School of Journalism, and the author of “The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq.”
Benedict says relationships in the US military are especially prone to abuse because of the huge power differentials in the chain of command.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!