The WARFUN taboo

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Cultural Studies
• Military Sociology

Background:

• The "WARFUN" taboo, prohibiting the association of war with fun, is deeply ingrained in German culture.
• This taboo influences political culture, particularly anti-militarism, and shapes societal perceptions of soldiers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the origins and entrenchment of the WARFUN taboo in Germany.
• To analyze the effects of this taboo on soldier models and the self-perception of German soldiers.
• To investigate the consequences of the WARFUN taboo on the social integration of soldiers.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of German political culture and historical context.
• Examination of soldier models and their alignment with societal taboos.
• Exploration of the subjective experiences of soldiers regarding humor and social interaction.

Main Results:

• The WARFUN taboo is a product of Germany's anti-militarist political culture.
• Societal expectations have led to soldier models that exclude qualities perceived as contradictory to the taboo.
• German soldiers internalize the WARFUN taboo, creating a conflict with their lived experiences of humor within military culture.

Conclusions:

• The WARFUN taboo leads to German soldiers censoring their experiences, particularly humor, when interacting with civilians.
• This self-censorship alienates soldiers from the society they are expected to integrate into.
• Addressing the WARFUN taboo is crucial for improving the social integration and well-being of soldiers in Germany.