What is it about?
This study explores Australian Defence Force (ADF) families experiences with young children using Narrative Research. Thematic verification identified two main themes: narrative and acculturation and ritual. The difficulty for professionals supporting military families whilst not supporting the narrative of the military, is also discussed.
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Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Military deployment within Australian Defence Force (ADF) families has had limited research to date, especially those who have eventually left the military or those who have experienced the combat death of a family member. Insight into these families will be helpful for effective support of parents, educators and professionals in their role with these children in the community.
Perspectives
This study uses a socio-constructivist approach and Bronfenbrenner's (1986) socio-ecological model for analysis, giving insight to ADF parents’ perceptions of their experiences.
Dr Marg Rogers
University of New England
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Narrative, Acculturation and Ritual: Themes from a Socio-ecological Study of Australian Defence Force Families Experiencing Parental Deployment, Children Australia, April 2016, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/cha.2016.8.
You can read the full text:
Resources
Liam's story: So why do I wear Dad's medals?
This book provides an excellent resource for conversations and discussions with children and adults on war: how it affects families, and how war is formally remembered. It also shares key information of the ANZAC Day catastrophe. There are very few books in this category that address this topic so well, and in particular this book addresses the outcomes of war very sensitively. The book and Teaching Resources promote children’s rights to know about how war affects people, and Liam, a real person, and his story, are utilised for maximum educational benefit. (excerpt from a review by Dr. Wendy Boyd)
Radio Article: ABC Life Matters
This radio interview explores some of the issues around discussing war with young children.
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
