Sense of belonging: a mixed-methods analysis of uk veterans' experiences of reintegration to civilian life
Lead Research Organisation:
Teesside University
Department Name: Sch of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law
Abstract
According to government statistics, there were approximately 2.5 million military veterans residing in the UK in 2016 (Ministry of Defence, 2017). There are a vast number of military veterans, today, who are attempting to transition into civilian life. However, the dichotomy of the military and civilian world is so extensive, that the transition process is not a simple one. Knowing how to make this reintegration easier for veterans would be unattainable without speaking with them, and thus will be the aim of this project.
It has been well documented that unit cohesion within the military is imperative for combat effectiveness (Sherman, 2005). However, transitioning from an extreme ethos of comradeship, to a neoliberal society which champions individualism, can be immensely difficult (Sayer et al, 2014). These issues can manifest once a veteran has begun their career in a civilian workplace, as the work ethic promoted in institutions guided by neoliberal policy is so dissimilar to that of the military. For those who suffer in silence following their reintegration, usually a result of the masculinity culture in the military (Connell, 1995), it is thought that there are higher rates of suicide, criminality, alcoholism, and homelessness (Dandeker et al, 2003).
In the UK, civilians' exposure to the military world usually confines to Remembrance Day, although there is currently a debate regarding the politicisation of the day (Ariely, 2017; Harrison, 2012). Resultantly, civilians lack an understanding of military culture (Smith and True, 2014), and this inherently makes the reintegration to civilian life difficult (Feaver et al, 2001). Furthermore, veterans can feel alienated within their community and their home (Pasupathi et al, 2007), and often revert to only spending time with their friends from the military, or working in an environment that is similar to the military, such as the police force (Tick, 2005).
There has recently been a surge in research regarding veterans' mental health, specifically of those suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (Freytes et al, 2017; Phillips et al, 2016). Although it is immensely useful to continue doing this research, it is also imperative to consider the experiences of all veterans. For those who are diagnosed with a mental health condition, their roots are typically attributed to the stresses and trauma of combat (MacGregor et al, 2012). However, it would be pertinent to consider the wider sociological context of these conditions, and their relevance to the transition process. This research will explore the impact of the reintegration period by considering the sociological facets, and within that, cultural aspects of the process.
It has been well documented that unit cohesion within the military is imperative for combat effectiveness (Sherman, 2005). However, transitioning from an extreme ethos of comradeship, to a neoliberal society which champions individualism, can be immensely difficult (Sayer et al, 2014). These issues can manifest once a veteran has begun their career in a civilian workplace, as the work ethic promoted in institutions guided by neoliberal policy is so dissimilar to that of the military. For those who suffer in silence following their reintegration, usually a result of the masculinity culture in the military (Connell, 1995), it is thought that there are higher rates of suicide, criminality, alcoholism, and homelessness (Dandeker et al, 2003).
In the UK, civilians' exposure to the military world usually confines to Remembrance Day, although there is currently a debate regarding the politicisation of the day (Ariely, 2017; Harrison, 2012). Resultantly, civilians lack an understanding of military culture (Smith and True, 2014), and this inherently makes the reintegration to civilian life difficult (Feaver et al, 2001). Furthermore, veterans can feel alienated within their community and their home (Pasupathi et al, 2007), and often revert to only spending time with their friends from the military, or working in an environment that is similar to the military, such as the police force (Tick, 2005).
There has recently been a surge in research regarding veterans' mental health, specifically of those suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (Freytes et al, 2017; Phillips et al, 2016). Although it is immensely useful to continue doing this research, it is also imperative to consider the experiences of all veterans. For those who are diagnosed with a mental health condition, their roots are typically attributed to the stresses and trauma of combat (MacGregor et al, 2012). However, it would be pertinent to consider the wider sociological context of these conditions, and their relevance to the transition process. This research will explore the impact of the reintegration period by considering the sociological facets, and within that, cultural aspects of the process.