The psychology of pain: how military hazing shapes the soldier

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Military training is more than just technical skill; it is a deliberate psychological transformation. By examining the history of British and American forces since 1914, we can see how harsh drills and rites of passage are designed to help combatants both endure and contribute to the violence of war.

Joanna Bourke, a prominent social and cultural historian, explores the evolution of military training from 1914 to the present day. Her work examines how the British and American armed forces have been systematically taught to fight and kill. Central to this investigation is the intersection of psychology and technology, looking at how these forces have been conditioned to operate in increasingly complex combat environments. The analysis covers the specific histories of both British and American military forces. It also considers the specific roles that technology has played in these training methods. Bourke's expertise spans various subjects including medicine, science, and psychiatry.

A significant portion of this history involves the social and cultural life within the barracks. Bourke highlights the role of 'rites of passage'—structured experiences that prepare soldiers for the transition into combat. These rituals are not merely incidental; they are foundational to the way soldiers are socialized into a culture of violence. The research looks at how combatants are conditioned to both endure extreme physical and psychological hardship and actively participate in the culture of the military. The study investigates the specific social life occurring within the barracks. It looks at how soldiers contribute to these harsh drills. This research examines the cultural life that prepares individuals for battle.

By analyzing these mechanisms, Bourke provides a deeper understanding of the human experience in warfare. It moves beyond the mechanics of weaponry to the internal landscape of the soldier. It asks how a human being is prepared to accept the role of a combatant, exploring the endurance of the body and the reshaping of the mind through institutionalized violence and tradition. Bourke served as the Gresham Professor of Rhetoric from 2019 to 2023. She is a Fellow of the British Academy. Her work has been translated into many different languages.

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