An Equal Burden

Brief Summary

An Equal Burden by Jessica Meyer offers a comprehensive scholarly study of the Army Medical Services during the First World War, with a distinct focus on the roles and experiences of men within the ranks of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). Providing invaluable insights into the lives of stretcher bearers and orderlies, the book explores how these men, although not professional medical caregivers, were integral to the medical evacuation chain and provided essential care under the unique constraints of military discipline. Structured both chronologically and thematically, Meyer delves into the gender dynamics and societal hierarchies, situating the service of RAMC personnel alongside that of doctors, female nurses, and combatant servicemen.

Main Themes and Topics

The central theme of An Equal Burden revolves around redefining medical caregiving as it pertains to men in wartime. This redefinition occurs through a detailed examination of the daily duties and emotional labor undertaken by the RAMC personnel. Meyer also delves into the gendered dynamics and societal hierarchies that these men navigated, placing their non-combatant service in context with the larger war effort. Structured studies of official documents, personal papers, and cultural representations are employed to articulate the dual burdens, both emotional and physical, borne by these servicemen.

Writing Style and Tone

Jessica Meyer presents her research with a meticulous and methodical style befitting the depth of scholarship invested in the book. Her tone is academic yet accessible, making the complex interplay of social and military dynamics comprehensible to both scholars and general readers interested in World War I history. The thematic and chronological structure aids in clearly delineating the transformation of medical caregiving roles and the singular societal position of RAMC men.

Criticism

While An Equal Burden is generally praised for its thorough research and insightful examination of the RAMC, some readers may find the academic tone and dense historical detail challenging if they are not accustomed to scholarly texts. The book's focus on a specific group within the army's medical services might also seem narrow to those looking for a broader military history, though this specificity is precisely what gives the study its unique value and depth.