WHO IS A PROPER SOLDIER? ANALYSIS OF A MODERN MILITARY IDENTITY

Abstract Social identity theory forms one of the key theories in social psychology and sociology. However, some other theories, such as self-categorization theory and social role theory are also used to explain the relations among individuals and groups. In the past the identities were assigned, whereas nowadays people explore their identities themselves; they have multiple identities and they can self-categorize themselves. Modern militaries and their members experience similar changes. Traditional military identity is characterized by stabilized relations, manifesting mainly through hierarchical structure and established discipline, and subordination of personal identity to the collective one. Modern military identity is not uniform and unambiguous. Military members, in addition to their military identity and military roles, develop other social identities and enact a variety of different social roles. Key words Social identity, social role, military identity, traditional military identity, modern military identity.