The recent social policy changes in the United States Armed Forces have been welcomed by some and have been a point of contention for others. Chaplains have a great interest in these social policy changes as "clergy-in-uniform" perform and provide religious support to soldiers and their families. The research surveyed chaplains about their attitudes about these policy changes and perceptions of effects on their job performance and career decisions. The study adds to empirical research on the subject and provides data suggesting that the Army Chaplaincy could supply a portable model for balancing religious liberty and personal liberty in a Western pluralistic democracy. The research may also inform organizations, particularly political entities, on the subject of public policy and large-scale change. This research paper represents is not a formal report of the UNC School of Government. This research paper is in no way associated with the U.S. government nor the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps. The author’s conclusions are his own.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Executive Summary
- Introduction
- The Problem
- Background
- The Research Question and Hypothesis
- Literature Review
- Methodology
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper investigates the impact of recent social policy changes (repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell," repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, and the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage) on the activities and attitudes of U.S. Army Chaplains. The study aims to analyze how these changes affect chaplain task performance, career decisions, and overall morale, contributing to the broader discussion of balancing religious liberty and personal liberty within a pluralistic society.
- Impact of social policy changes on U.S. Army Chaplain Corps activities.
- Relationship between social policy changes and chaplain task performance.
- Influence of social policy changes on chaplain attitudes and morale.
- Exploration of the balancing act between religious liberty and personal liberty within the military context.
- Potential for the Army Chaplaincy to serve as a model for navigating similar challenges in other sectors.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Executive Summary: This provides a concise overview of the research, highlighting the impact of recent social policy changes on U.S. Army Chaplains, their attitudes, job performance, and career decisions. The study suggests the Army Chaplaincy could offer a model for balancing religious and personal liberty in a pluralistic democracy.
Introduction: This chapter introduces the central research question concerning the implementation of public policy changes within the military, specifically focusing on the conflict between public policy and religious liberty. It frames the research within the broader context of a shifting social and ethical landscape in Western democracies.
The Problem: This section defines the core problem: the tension between evolving public policy regarding LGBTQ+ rights and the religious liberty of Army Chaplains. It emphasizes the rapid pace of these changes and the need for further research to understand their effects on military clergy.
Background: This chapter provides historical context by outlining the implementation and eventual repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act, as well as the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage. It connects these policy changes to the role of chaplains in performing religious rites, including marriage ceremonies, and highlights the resulting legal and ethical challenges.
The Research Question and Hypothesis: This section formally states the research question ("What is the impact of recent social policy changes on select ministry activities of Chaplains in the United States Army?") and the hypothesis ("Recent social policy changes are producing mixed outcomes within select activities of the United States Army Chaplain Corps.").
Literature Review: This chapter reviews existing literature on the effects of the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell," including studies by Aaron Belkin et al. and the Rand Corporation. It also examines research on religious liberty in the military, the legal precedents surrounding marriage definitions, and the impact of social policy changes on morale and productivity. The review considers various resources including scholarly articles, reports, and Army regulations.
Methodology: This chapter details the quantitative research methodology employed, including the use of an online survey administered to a sample of U.S. Army Chaplains. It describes the survey design, target population, sample size, and data collection process, ensuring anonymity of respondents. The chapter describes the variables and the methods used to analyze the data collected.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, social policy, religious liberty, personal liberty, Don't Ask Don't Tell, Defense of Marriage Act, same-sex marriage, military readiness, morale, task cohesion, public policy implementation, pluralistic democracy, qualitative research, quantitative research, survey methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions: Impact of Social Policy Changes on U.S. Army Chaplains
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This research paper investigates how recent social policy changes (repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell," the Defense of Marriage Act, and the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage) have affected the activities, attitudes, and morale of U.S. Army Chaplains. It examines the impact on their task performance, career decisions, and explores the balance between religious and personal liberty within a pluralistic society.
What are the key themes explored in the research?
Key themes include the impact of social policy changes on U.S. Army Chaplain Corps activities; the relationship between these changes and chaplain task performance; the influence on chaplain attitudes and morale; the balancing act between religious and personal liberty within the military; and the potential for the Army Chaplaincy to serve as a model for similar challenges in other sectors.
What is the research question and hypothesis?
The research question is: "What is the impact of recent social policy changes on select ministry activities of Chaplains in the United States Army?" The hypothesis is: "Recent social policy changes are producing mixed outcomes within select activities of the United States Army Chaplain Corps."
What methodology was used in the research?
The research employed a quantitative methodology, using an online survey administered to a sample of U.S. Army Chaplains. The survey design, target population, sample size, and data collection process are detailed, ensuring respondent anonymity. The chapter describes the variables and methods used for data analysis.
What is included in the literature review?
The literature review examines existing research on the effects of repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell," including studies by Aaron Belkin et al. and the Rand Corporation. It also explores research on religious liberty in the military, legal precedents surrounding marriage definitions, and the impact of social policy changes on morale and productivity. The review considers scholarly articles, reports, and Army regulations.
What are the chapter summaries provided?
The document provides concise summaries for each chapter: Executive Summary (overview of the research and its findings), Introduction (framing the research question), The Problem (defining the tension between policy and religious liberty), Background (historical context of policy changes), Research Question and Hypothesis (formal statement of the research question and hypothesis), Literature Review (summary of relevant existing research), and Methodology (description of the research methods used).
What keywords are associated with this research?
Keywords include: U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, social policy, religious liberty, personal liberty, Don't Ask Don't Tell, Defense of Marriage Act, same-sex marriage, military readiness, morale, task cohesion, public policy implementation, pluralistic democracy, qualitative research, quantitative research, and survey methodology.
What is the overall conclusion suggested by the research?
The study suggests that the Army Chaplaincy could offer a model for balancing religious and personal liberty in a pluralistic democracy, highlighting the complexities and potential outcomes of navigating such conflicts within a military context.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Michael A. Milton (Author), 2015, The Effects of Recent Social Policy Changes on Select U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Activities and Attitudes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/418920
