Membership Has Its Privileges: Group Identity Benefits US Troops

The well-known phrase "membership has its
privileges," brings to mind the benefits
belonging to a select group confer on an
individual. On closer consideration, it's clear that
some of these benefits are instrumental: the
receipt of resources which are actually provided, or
at least perceived as available. Others
are based on something much less tangible. The
latter type of benefits, and the advantages they
impart to each of us, are the subject of this book.
What changes about someone when they gain entrance
to a select group? Why might groups, perceived as
high-status, be so alluring to join? What are the
benefits to individuals of belonging to such well-
regarded groups? We'll explore these questions in
the context of examining research I conducted on 210
US combat soldiers deployed to Iraq. The main
findings from this research suggest that membership
in esteemed groups enhance self-esteem. And
belonging to such groups can buffer the detrimental
effects of stress, even combat stress. This book
will be of interest to anyone curious about the
allure and benefits of groups, as well as
researchers studying identity, stress, combat, or
coping.