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Canadian soldiers’ constructions of their role-sets.

Dentry-Travis, S. J.

Keywords:
Repertory grids, soldiers, role-sets

Abstract:
This study investigates how soldiers structure their status and role-sets within the military and society. Personal Construct Psychology repertory grids were used in focus groups of serving Canadian Army soldiers (n=16). Findings suggest that combat arms trades perceive a marked distinction between their role and support trades and civilians, whereas support trades perceived their role as closer to combat arms trades than civilians. Combat arms and support trades perceived deployment experience as a status legitimiser, and felt that combat arms personnel were more respected within the military and society; however they felt support trades would fit into society more easily.