The historical exclusion of women from submarine service stemmed from a complex interplay of physiological concerns, practical limitations of the vessels themselves, and deeply ingrained societal attitudes prevalent throughout much of the 20th century. These factors coalesced to form a barrier preventing women’s integration into this particular branch of naval operations.
This policy’s maintenance reinforced existing gender roles within the military and broader society. The perceived physical demands of submarine duty, coupled with the confined and often hazardous environment, were frequently cited as justification for restricting service to men. Furthermore, concerns regarding privacy and the disruption of established male-dominated crew dynamics played a significant role in perpetuating this exclusion.
