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Sociology of War
War can be understood in terms of the sociological patterns that underpin it. War is by and large about power dynamics between groups of people. In the Sociology of War, Segal and Clever (2013) outline that the sociology of war has long been understood via the relationship between the ruling classes and their societies. Rulers seek to use war to enhance their power, by leveraging their power within their own societies. People often prefer not to agitate for war, because of the inherent risks, but they can be convinced to fight based on pay (professional soldiers) or by organizing the society to oppose another society. Societies today react differently to war than they have in the past, in part because there is a better understanding of power dynamics, which has removed some of the taboos surrounding the discussion of war, and the use of war to enhance the power of a ruling class.
War as Power
War is a manifestation of collective conflict, characterized by open violence. For most of the history of human society, wars were a means by which people could define their society, and define the society against which they were fighting. People held little power, however, so the wars were...
Most societies likely did not desire conflict, as it was disruptive. Today, war functions in a similar way. The power differential between the leadership of society and society itself provides the ability for that leadership to engage in open conflict. War often then becomes an expression of nationalistic interest. This organized violence can be an expression of frustration as societies battle with each other over their grievances with one another. Societies are free to engage in war where they feel that the power dynamic of their world can be changed, or needs to be defended from change (Malesevic, 2010).
Society's Reaction's to War
Where in the past the relationship between society and war was fairly easy to understand, this relationship has become more complex in recent decades. First, many wars have been fought overseas, with little direct connection to the society that is fighting the war. That disconnect has led to an increasing willingness on the part of society to question the nature of war, and its necessity. In many powerful societies, there is little motivation to engage in…
References
Segal, D. & Clever, M. (2013) The Sociology of War. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
Malesevic, S. (2010). The Sociology of War and Violence. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
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