Sociocultural Systems: The Next Step in Army Cultural Capability
Abstract
Current Army cultural training is useful and necessary, but significant focus is on how one individual interacts at an interpersonal level with another individual or group of individuals. However, our notion of cross-cultural effectiveness in military operations is incomplete if it does not include the concept of sociocultural systems. Discussions about how to improve the Army's cultural capability for future operations must include a discussion of sociocultural systems and how the Army can evaluate them, influence them, and operate effectively within them. This research product is an anthology of chapters written by some of the best and brightest in academia and government on a host of topics relevant to sociocultural systems and the operational environment. The anthology reflects an interdisciplinary perspective with contributors who represent a variety of professional domains, including (but not limited to) political science, communications, psychology, anthropology, intelligence, sociology, and the geosciences. The anthology contains 17 chapters addressing diverse topic areas, including humanitarian assistance, heritage, cultural narratives, female engagements, internally displaced populations, clans, property, and water. Chapters also address a number of countries other than Afghanistan and Iraq (e.g., Somalia, Mali).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA591027
Entities
People
- Beret E. Strong
- Linda Roan
- Lisare B. Babin
- Michelle R. Zbylut
Organizations
- Ecrossculture