Handbook of the Sociology of the Military (Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research)

Never before has there been so extensive a collection of what has been thought, said, and written about the sociology of the military. This accessible handbook is the first of its kind to delve into the sociological approach to the study of the military. This book is compiled of documents coming from various researchers at universities around the world as well as military officers devoted to the sector of study. Covered in this volume is a historical excursus of studies prior to contemporary research, interpretive models and theoretical approaches developed specifically for this topic, civic-military relations including issues surrounding democratic control of the armed forces, military culture, professional training, conditions and problems of minorities in the armed forces, an examination of the structural change within the military over the years including new duties and functions following the Cold War. This book is ideal for scholars of the subject as well as those coming to the sociology of the military for the first time.

In 25 chapters, contributors from Europe, the US, Russia, and South Africa fill a gap perceived by Caforio (Italian U. Centre of Historical and Military Studies, Pisa, Italy) in providing a general but not superficial treatment on the scope of military social studies and the impact of the special organization of military society on human cultural evolution. Building on The sociology of the military (UK: Elgar, 1998), the editor has collected views encompassing a general introduction to military sociology; theoretical and methodological orientations of the discipline; issues in civil-military relations; and trends including restructuring of national militaries, the impact of new technologies, and revamped functions of the armed forces in the post-Cold War era. Includes an extensive bibliography. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Annotation This accessible handbook is the first of its kind to examine the sociological approach to the study of the military. The contents are compiled from the work of researchers at universities around the world, as well as military officers devoted to the sector of study. Beginning with a review of studies prior to contemporary research, the book provides a comprehensive survey of the topic. The scope of coverage extends to civic-military relations, including issues surrounding democratic control of the armed forces; military culture; professional training; conditions and problems of minorities in the armed forces; an examination of structural change within the military over the years including new duties and functions following the Cold War There are at least two reasons, one immediate and practical and one deeper and more mediated, that lie upstream from the writing of this book and that motivate it.