The stigmatized hero? A review of UK opinion polls and surveys on perceptions of British veterans in UK society.

Phillips, Rita

Abstract

Findings from representative opinion polls and surveys provide information on pertinent perceptions of veterans in British society. The present project compares these findings and contrasts them with factually correct information. This allows researchers to determine erroneous and stereotyped perceptions of veterans that may be held by members of British society. The present project reviewed forty-one veteran-related question-items from eleven surveys/polls, and grouped these question-items into the categories: 1) employment situation, 2) housing situation, 3) skills and experiences, 4) physical/psychological well-being, and 5) addictions and antisocial behaviour. The comparison with factually correct information indicates that the majority of survey/poll respondents held a set of negative and erroneous stereotypes against veterans. As negative and erroneous stereotypes may hinder a successful transition into civilian society, future research should explore how these stereotypes may form.

Citation

PHILLIPS, R. 2020. The stigmatized hero? A review of UK opinion polls and surveys on perceptions of British veterans in UK society. Journal of veterans studies [online], 6(1), pages 64-84. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v6i1.150

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 25, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jan 30, 2020
• Publication Date: Jan 30, 2020
• Deposit Date: Dec 9, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 9, 2019
• Journal: Journal of veterans studies
• Electronic ISSN: 2470-4768
• Publisher: Virginia Tech Libraries
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 64-84
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v6i1.150
• Keywords: Military veterans; Stigmatisation; Stigmas; Stereotypes; Veterans and society
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/807937