ADJUSTMENT OF CHINESE SOLDIERS TO THE COMMUNIST DEMAND FOR IDEOLOGICAL PARTICIPATION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY BASED ON THE CCF IN THE KOREAN WAR
Abstract
By all odds the most impressive aspect of the adjustment to the demand for ideological participation is the near-universality and the high degree of conformity with which that demand was met. From the perspective of much of our Western psychological theory the respondents' ability to conform without serious psychic disturbance is somewhat surprising. They were required to control their speaking and even their facial expressions at the same time that other severe and total demands were made on them, and all in a context of punishment for nonconformity. The goals, values, and orientations they were asked to affirm and reflect in their speech were disharmonious and inconsistent with those of traditional Chinese culture and, one may therefore assume, with those embodied in the 'basic personalities' of the informants. But neither this demand nor the combination of demands nor their contrariety to traditional culture nor the pressure applied to secure their fulfillment 'broke' the individuals in the respondent group. They did not create the psychic disorganization which would have made the informants unable to function; they did not produce psychosis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0637836
Entities
People
- Jeane J. Kirkpatrick
- Pio D. Uliassi
Organizations
- George Washington University