“Reservists”: changing identities between civilian and military roles

Wilson-Smith, K. M. and Corr, P. J. (2019) “Reservists”: changing identities between civilian and military roles. In: Wilson-Smith, K.M. and Corr, P..J. (eds.) Military Identity and the Transition into Civilian Life. Palgrave Pivot, pp. 57-66. ISBN 9783030123376 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-12338-3_5)

Abstract

The experience of social identity for Reservists is of particular interest to theorists—Reservist engage in fast-paced intermittent service between military and civilian job roles. This chapter explores how Reservists make sense of their identity and subsequent enactment of prototypical behaviours, which appear to rely on various psychosocial processes, such as the attitudes and beliefs that the individual has about the nature of military service. We are introduced to Ollie, who became a Reservist after several years of regular military service. Ollie’s story provides insight into the constant shift between military and civilian selves that is a common experience for army Reservists who to, some extent, have to engage in the management of multiple and/or dual cultural and social identities that may at times conflict.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilson-Smith, Dr Kevin
• Authors: Wilson-Smith, K. M., and Corr, P. J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Publisher: Palgrave Pivot
• ISBN: 9783030123376