An Equal Burden: The Men of the Royal Army Medical Corps in the First World War

Abstract

This chapter introduces the subject of the book, outlining the reasons why it is a significant subject for historical analysis. It summarizes the historiographic context of the study in relation to medical histories, gender histories, and social histories of the conflict. It identifies relevant gaps in the existing literature and appropriate approaches, in particular those that use patient voices and studies of specific categories of caregiver. It then outlines the methodological approach of gender history using close readings and reception analysis that is used in this volume. Finally, it outlines the structure of the book, summarizing the approach taken and argument to be made in each substantive chapter, before concluding with the statement of the overarching thesis that a study of the men of the RAMC in the First World War enables historians to further understand the complexity of gender and gender relations in British society in this period.