Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging

Related to the first question, Junger states in the first chapter that early humans did not have stronger moral compasses than modern humans, but their tribal societies created pressures that checked antisocial behaviors, unlike modern societies which seem to encourage such behaviors. What is Junger saying here about the role of social structures versus human nature? Can you locate his position in the “nature versus nurture” debate?

It seems that Junger is saying that PTSD is a symptom that society is ailing. Could you see other psychiatric disorders in this same light? What does this view mean for psychology and psychiatry?

Junger is critical of a number of aspects of US society, such as Wall Street. Could his views on tribalism apply to discrete groups within US society? Is there a tribe of Wall Street, for instance, that takes care of its own? Do certain organizations like trade unions function like tribes? Or does Junger’s argument about tribal societies need to apply to society as a whole to make sense?

Consider Junger’s focus on war and his claim that US society is effectively at war with itself. How does the history of slavery fit into Junger’s narrative? Would including slavery require him to amend his narrative in any way?

Junger believes that nothing tests a person’s courage like a life-and-death situation, and one of the problems of modern society is that such moments are rare for most people. What alternative scenarios can you think of that would generate a proxy test of courage?

Gender and sexuality are not as straightforward as they first seem in Tribe. How does the author intentionally use gender and sexuality, and how, if at all, does he seem to use them unintentionally? Are these different uses at odds with each other at all?

Junger relies heavily on American Indian culture to make his case against the failings of modern society, and yet he does not use a single indigenous scholar or source to support his historical characterization of Indian tribes. How might an intervention by Indian scholars lead Junger to amend his analysis?

Junger makes a point of trying to stay politically neutral about war because he wants the focus to be on soldiers’ experiences. However, many internal problems with the military as an institution (lack of individual dignity, substance abuse, violence, misogyny, racism, etc.) suggest that it may be a poor model for Junger’s ideal tribe. Compare and contrast the military unit as an ideal tribe with other potential models from contemporary society.