Why is the zombie apocalypse so terrible for women? Gender, militarism, and ontological insecurity at the end of the world

This article explores militarism as a function of, and response to, ontological insecurity through speculative fictions of zombie apocalypse, specifically the 2013 film World War Z (WWZ). It begins with question: why is apocalypse so terrible for women? The genre relies on existing political social conditions to articulate anxieties vulnerabilities present avenues resistance or, I argue case WWZ, reassert norms dominant power structures kind salvation. WWZ form everyday theorizing that highlights connections between militarism, gender, asserts need return “traditional” (Western-centric, heteropatriarchal) values save ourselves. presents knowledge system, analyzing work does materialization its reaffirmation necessity heteropatriarchal masculinist protection. Like many films in genre, entrenches militarized end days trope “Just Warrior,” here supported by international institutions, day.