Conscription in Europe: The effect on educational and career advancement among youth
Date
2017
Authors
Smith, Charlene
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Publisher
Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers
Abstract
Conscription, or drafting, is the compulsory enlistment of people in a national service, most often a military service. Currently, only 5 of the European Union’s 28 member countries require national service, while the rest either do not require any or offer it as a voluntary option for citizens. The purpose of this paper is to develop a real and unique perspective on how conscription effects European young adults and their transition to higher education and career development. There is little consensus in the academic literature about the impact of conscription on education, career development, and even crime. Proponents of conscription argue that conscription educates young citizens with basic skills, provides them with valuable work experience, teaches them national and civic values, and fosters nation building and unity. On the other hand, critics insist conscription not only demotivates youth and creates an ineffective military and public service workforce, but can also be viewed as a violation of individual rights. After thorough investigation of present research and conducting independent interviews with a variety of today's youth, this paper will attempt to arrive at new conclusions about the effects of conscription on the career and educational attainment of young men.
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Citation
Smith, C. (2017). Conscription in Europe: The effect on educational and career advancement among youth. Bachelor of Commerce Best Business Research Papers, 10, 93–106.