Military Sociology

Military Sociology

Military Sociology examines the impact of the military on society as well as the impact of society on the military

Sociological concepts, principles, and theories used in the study of the military;
The scientific method to the study of the military from a sociological perspective;
The military as a social institution;
Contemporary military issues, situations, and problems using a sociological perspective;
Sociological research findings related to concepts used in the sociology of the military.

"The reason for trans-/interdisciplinarity lies in the simple truth that the military is a highly complex social phenomenon . . . that cuts through various levels, touches several different contexts, and is thus subject to multiple processes of interpretation." - Kummel

With the help of sociological concepts, theories, and methods, we can analyze both the internal organization and practices of the armed forces and the relationships between the military and other social institutions. To understand the military and its place in society, it is necessary to consider the historical forces that have shaped the present. We must examine past events and policies as well as current ones.

Experts in military sociology and military history disagree on many important points. They disagree because the world of war is open to interpretation. Sometimes different interpretations result from the weight of evidence favoring one view or the other. Which counts more, for example, organization or technology? Who wins, those with the greater numbers, or those who strike first? Sometimes, different views result from incomplete descriptions. Descriptions of one and the same battle frequently include some details and exclude others, according to which writer you read.

Journal of political and military sociology - The JPMS is an independent, interdisciplinary, and biannual publication, which has withstood the test of time for its uninterrupted publication. In part, this was accomplished because from its very inception the JPMS set high standards of scholarship and excellence. At the same time, over the years the JPMS has been fortunate to have the professional support of some of the leading scholars in the fields of political and military sociology. Since its founding in 1973, the Journal of political and military sociology has helped to generate scholarly interest in political and military sociology by seeking to advance and disseminate social science knowledge in these sub-fields and other areas in social sciences. By combining the two areas of political and military sociology into one journal, the JPMS has brought together a number of scholars with differing perspectives into the evaluation process of manuscripts. - jpms.niu.edu/

The state's contribution to social order in national societies: Somalia as an illustrative case Satoshi Kanazawa & Debra Friedman - Journal of Political & Military Sociology
A mistaken consensus has emerged, since Axelrod's work in 1984, that because co-operation in dyads and small groups is possible without state involvement, social order is possible without it. "Our argument involves somewhat of a paradox: coercive intervention of a central state is necessary to produce and maintain social order precisely because co-operation within groups is possible without it" (pp1-2). This can be illustrated by Somalia's clan-based society, in which lower-level stability is achieved at the cost of societal chaos.
Kanazawa is visiting professor of sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign; Friedman teaches sociology at the University of Washington.

POLITICAL VIOLENCE
Violence is a common means used by people and governments around the world to achieve political goals. Many groups and individuals believe that their political systems will never respond to their political demands. As a result they believe that violence is not only justified but also necessary in order to achieve their political objectives. By the same token, many governments around the world believe they need to use violence in order to intimidate their populace into acquiescence. At other times, governments use force in order to defend their country from outside invasion or other threats of force.
Political violence is used by citizens, groups, or governments in different contexts: polisci.nelson.com/violence.html

Trust and fraud: occupation and resistance in Norway, 1940-1945 Klas Borell - Journal of Political & Military Sociology
Examines the Rinnan group's approach to infiltrating resistance movements in Nazi-occupied Norway.
Associate professor of sociology at Mid-Sweden University, Ostersund. The fraudster's ordinary practice of ingratiation and establishing credentials is here dressed up in the sociological jargon of 'dramaturgical methods' and 'tactical trust-building'.

Examining the importance of organizational supports on family adjustment to Army life in a period of increasing separation David E Rohall, Mady Wechsler Segal & David R Segal - Journal of Political & Military Sociology
Analysis of two Patriot missile battery deployments shows how the post-Cold War increase in operational tempo can damage morale through diminished family life and togetherness.
Respectively, graduate fellow and professors, Center for Research on Military Organization, University of Maryland.

The Moskos institution-occupation model: effects on individual work related perceptions and experiences in the military Fiona Alpass (et al) - Journal of Political & Military Sociology
Analysis of a New Zealand army personnel sample suggests a limited relevance of Charles Moskos' categorization to matters of job satisfaction, psychological well-being and physical health.
Massey University, New Zealand.

The 1992 coup attempts in Venezuela: causes and failure Sergei Baburkin (et al) - Journal of Political & Military Sociology
The record of Col Hugo Chavez in the coup attempts of 1992 may yet return to haunt him during his presidency.
Associate professor of contemporary history and politics at the Yaroslavl Pedagogical University, Russia.