This thesis and the question how the reality in Germany is related to military education within society will be answered in this term paper. With the background of the consequences of the Second World War on the view of an army of the German population and the bad acceptance of the Bundeswehr in the society, the view of a military education is a different one, compared to the U.S for example. Unlike in the U.S, where military education is partially integrated into the school system in Germany military education is only provided by the military itself or in small private settings. The aim of this term paper is to find out what is the meaning of military education in German society in functionalist perspective.
“(…) Education must teach people self-discipline; education is essential if society is to remain orderly ”. These pedagogical findings of Èmile Durkheim studies haven’t lost their relevance in our present time when it comes to the question of the meaning and importance of education in our society. These aspects - self-discipline and order - are especially determine in the principles that represent soldiers in the military. This connection should give rise to drawing parallels between military education in a functionalist perspective and the understanding and implementation of it in German society. From the functionalist perspective of Durkheim the aim of education in a society is to produce “ideal adults” in order that to ensure the overriding goal, specifically the functioning and survival of society . Can the values and virtues that can be imparted by a military education and that constitute and should be represented by a German soldier lead the way to the aim of an "ideal adult" described by Durkheim?
Table of Contents
1. Introdruction
2. Definition of terms
2.1 Sociology education in functionalist perspective
2.2 Military eduaction in Germany
3. Meaning of military education in German society in functionalist perspective
4. Conclusion
5. References
Objectives and Topics
This term paper examines the role and significance of military education within contemporary German society through the lens of Émile Durkheim’s functionalist perspective. The research aims to explore how military training relates to the broader societal goals of order, self-discipline, and the development of "ideal adults," while considering the unique historical and social context of the German Bundeswehr.
- Functionalist theory of education and its application to military training.
- Historical context of German pacifism and the societal perception of the Bundeswehr.
- Comparison of military education integration in Germany versus other nations like the U.S.
- The role of "Innere Führung" and the concept of the "citizen in uniform."
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introdruction
“(…) Education must teach people self-discipline; education is essential if society is to remain orderly”. These pedagogical findings of Èmile Durkheim studies haven’t lost their relevance in our present time when it comes to the question of the meaning and importance of education in our society. These aspects - self-discipline and order - are especially determine in the principles that represent soldiers in the military. This connection should give rise to drawing parallels between military education in a functionalist perspective and the understanding and implementation of it in German society. From the functionalist perspective of Durkheim the aim of education in a society is to produce “ideal adults” in order that to ensure the overriding goal, specifically the functioning and survival of society. Can the values and virtues that can be imparted by a military education and that constitute and should be represented by a German soldier lead the way to the aim of an "ideal adult" described by Durkheim?
This thesis and the question how the reality in Germany is related to military education within society will be answered in this term paper. With the background of the consequences of the Second World War on the view of an army of the German population and the bad acceptance of the Bundeswehr in the society, the view of a military education is a different one, compared to the U.S for example. Unlike in the U.S, where military education is partially integrated into the school system in Germany military education is only provided by the military itself or in small private settings. The aim of this term paper is to find out what is the meaning of military education in German society in functionalist perspective.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introdruction: This chapter introduces the theoretical basis of functionalism regarding education and presents the central research question concerning the meaning of military education in German society.
2. Definition of terms: This section defines the functionalist approach to education, emphasizing the creation of moral ideals, and provides a historical and social overview of the Bundeswehr in Germany.
3. Meaning of military education in German society in functionalist perspective: This chapter analyzes how military values align with functionalist goals of order and discipline, and discusses the philosophy of "Innere Führung" (Inner Leadership).
4. Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the findings, noting the limited influence of the military on the broader German school system compared to other countries.
5. References: This section lists the academic sources and documents used throughout the research.
Keywords
Military education, Functionalism, Émile Durkheim, Bundeswehr, Sociology of education, Inner Leadership, Citizen in uniform, German society, Social order, Self-discipline, Moral education, Military training, Pacifism, Moral ideal, Social system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the sociological implications of military education in Germany, specifically applying the functionalist perspective developed by Émile Durkheim to analyze how military values intersect with broader societal requirements.
What are the central thematic fields addressed?
The central themes include the functionalist theory of education, the historical context of Germany's post-WWII military perception, the internal leadership philosophy of the German armed forces, and the societal integration of soldiers.
What is the primary research question?
The paper seeks to answer: "What is the meaning of military education in German society in functionalist perspective?"
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author employs a theoretical-analytical approach, utilizing functionalist sociology to evaluate the purpose of military education and comparing the German institutional context with international models like the U.S.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the definitions of functionalist education, the historical challenges regarding the acceptance of the Bundeswehr in Germany, and the role of military training in imparting moral duties and democratic values.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Functionalism, Durkheim, Bundeswehr, Military education, Sociology, Social order, and Inner Leadership.
How does the German military's approach to education differ from the U.S. model?
Unlike the U.S., where military programs like JROTC are integrated into schools, the German military is mostly isolated from the public school system, with military training provided primarily within the Bundeswehr itself.
What role does the "citizen in uniform" play in this analysis?
The "citizen in uniform" is a central concept representing the Bundeswehr's philosophy that soldiers should embody the democratic values and morals of the society they serve, aligning with the functionalist goal of maintaining social cohesion.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2021, The sociology of military education in Germany in functionalist perspective, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1173840
