Sociological Implications of Selective Service

T NHE SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM presents some interesting applications of sociological principles.' The most obvious aspect is the quantitative one having to do with the mere numbers of men, but there are underlying principles which should not be overlooked. Selective Service, viewed sociologically, has these two aspects: (i) the application of known facts which are commonly used in the field of sociology; and (2) the application of sociological theories. The former is the simpler but it shows the assistance which can be given by the who for years have been grubbing in census volumes which, but for them, would be dust-covered. Simply stated, it is a problem of population; in its more complex form, it is an exercise in statistical analysis. The Selective Service System is called on to supply a certain number of men; the question is how best to secure them. Congress decided that the way to do it was to require all in the age group 2i through 35 to register and to make themselves available for chance selection. This immediately raises the question of how many will be involved. It is extremely important, first, because of the physical task of registration and second, because there must be some indication of how many of the original total group will be left after exemptions and deferments have been granted. It is not to go into the method of arriving at the total numbers, except to indicate that it involves statistical analysis of a part of the total population, including such variables as changes in age groups, immigration and emigration, and internal migration, to mention just a few of the factors. Broadly it is a question of national population; narrowly it is, How many registration cards shall be sent to Ward 8 in Middletown? Difficult as this problem is, that of determining the number of available for military service is even greater. The law provides for the deferment of in five broad groups: (I) those with dependents; (2) those defined as necessary men occupationally; (3) the mentally, physically and morally unfit; (4) certain government officials; and (5) students. Thus, having arrived at an estimated total number of registrants, it is to deduct the numbers in these various classes. Here again, statistical counts and guesses come into play. Taking the first group, with dependents, we find conflicting evidence. The entrance of women into gainful occupations, the dismissal of older persons, the changes in age at marriage, the increase

Social science · Sociological research · Sociological theory · Sociology · Census and Population Estimation

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