War and Sex

This is an insightful and erudite examination of the reasons why men go to war, and the subconscious influence women have on this 'urge for battle'. Why young men voluntarily go off to war has long defied understanding. Eagerly risking one's life seems contrary to the innate instinct for self-preservation. Are young males - notorious risk takers - courting death out of some irresistible altruistic impulse to sacrifice their lives for a larger cause or, conversely, do they expect something in return? In this engrossing exploration of men's motives for war, historian John Dippel argues persuasively that one important subconscious reason young men volunteer for battle is to enhance their status as partners for the women on the home front. He also examines the subtle influence that women's increasing power in society has on male attitudes to its regard to conflict. Thoroughly researched and compelling reading, this unique discussion of men's and women's roles in a society contemplating war offers much food for contemporary thought.