Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2005
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Rural Sociology
Abstract
This study examines the influence of socioeconomic factors upon the composition of the United States military. A review of literature ascertained that such factors may influence military composition through economic and educational assistance, and societal obligations of deference. This study weighs six independent variables - income, poverty, unemployment, post-secondary education attainment, state grant aid, and higher education appropriations, against the dependent variable - representational ratio of enlistees from each 50 states. All six independent variables were found to have a significant impact on the dependent variable, indicating a strong probability that socioeconomic factors do influence decisions to enter the military. with the military overrepresented by those from lower incomes, and the South. Additionally, the potential influence of recruiting tactics and their impact on military enlistment is discussed. Conflict and dependency perspectives are used to discuss and support the connections between socioeconomic variables and the composition of the U.S. Military.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
United States -- Armed Forces -- Recruiting, enlistment, etc
Soldiers -- United States -- Social conditions
Soldiers -- United States -- Economic conditions
Social classes -- United States
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
161
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Bunger, Susan, "The Influence of Socioeconomic Conditions Upon the Composition of the U.S. All-Volunteer Armed Forces" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1180.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1180