Description
This research explores the distinctions between younger and older women veterans of the British Armed Forces through their experience of performative veteranhood. Through a series of interviews, it becomes apparent that there is a consistent divergence in the performative nature of veteranhood between the two groups. Despite unique experiences, themes such as Identity, Fictive Kinship and Belonging are reproduced in each case. Previous research has shown that the older generations of veterans rely on a visual veteran identity. This is demonstrated in this research by the joining of associations and clubs, receiving magazines, and the keeping abreast of veteran-related affairs. However, research into the younger generation and their relationship to performative veteranhood is limited. Younger veterans seem to be less inclined to join military-centred groups and prefer to distance themselves from the visual and gendered sense of veteranhood. It became apparent that there are a series of contentions between the two groups, often tending towards knowledge, perceived quality of experience, and gendered groupings. This research aims to provide insight into how these contentions help to affirm the identity of each group, using qualitative methodology and gender-related concepts from Queer theory.
