Socialization, Face Negotiation, Identity, and the United States Military

Authors

  • Maria Shpeer University of Oklahoma
  • William T. Howe University of Oklahoma

Keywords:

socialization, military culture, facework, face negotiation, identity

Abstract

In this study, we examine stories told about basic training in the United States military. We question how these experiences are related to stories told post-exit. We collected website stories (N = 100) and in-depth interviews (N = 18) for analysis. The theoretical underpinnings of socialization, face negotiation, and identity guided this analysis. We note three themes throughout these stories that suggest that (1) military members adopt facework strategies performed by drill sergeants, (2) these facework strategies are used after exit, (3) military socialization normalizes typically nonnormative behavior.

Author Biographies

Maria Shpeer, University of Oklahoma

Maria Shpeer is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on intercultural and international communication. She received her M.A. from Saint Petersburg State University in International Relations: American Studies.

William T. Howe, University of Oklahoma

William is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma. His research focuses on organizational communication, specifically on high reliability organizations, as well as communication and technology. He received his M.S. from Texas Christian University in Communication Studies.

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Published

2020-01-28

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Section

Articles