The Development of Enemy Images: A Theoretical Contribution

Abstract

Enemies and enemy images are thought to be prerequisites in preparedness for war (i.e., to fight and kill). In spite of this knowledge, very little information is available about children's understanding of enemies and the emergence and nature of enemy images. In part this is due to the absence of theoretical insights into the developmental course for the understanding of enemies and the emergence of enemy images. The purpose of this article is to present a theoretical model embedding the development of the understanding of enemy and the emergence of enemy images in social contexts, such as the family, the peer group, and society. On the basis of this model, future research questions dealing with the development, emergence, and maintenance of enemy images can be formulated.