Quantifying Authority: Exploring Embodied Authority Among Indian Army Officers' Wives

Emerging from societal views, particularly those unfamiliar with the Indian Army community. This study aims to deconstruct prevailing misconceptions surrounding the perceived passivity of Army wives. Drawing from diverse sources, including personal experiences, academic inquiries, and newspaper insights, it illustrates how the rank of a spouse can serve to empower wives within the community. Employing a quantitative approach through an online survey response acquired from 31 participants, the study evaluates wives' perception of embodied authority. Embodied authority emphasizes its derivation from the physical presence, actions, and demeanor. Findings suggest a positive association between spouse rank, their exercised authority, and wives' sense of empowerment. Recognizing limitations such as self-reporting bias and limited sample size, the study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and amplifying the roles of Army wives. Recommendations include utilizing social media to highlight their contributions, leveraging technology to dispel myths, and promoting proactive support-seeking behaviors within the community. Additionally, advocating for future contextual research in this field is deemed crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Army wives' roles in Indian society.