MEMBERSHIP IN MOTORCYCLE CLUBS: VETERANS, BROTHERHOOD AND BELONGING

Abstract

Motorcycle clubs have existed since the early 1800s and 1900's and U.S. military veterans have had a long-standing relationship with American motorcycle clubs since returning from World War I in 1945. The dominant explanation for the reasoning behind their membership is because of brotherhood and to support their transition back to civilian life. Previous research has studied male motorcycle club memberships through questionaries on their motivations and experiences. I used data from interviews done with military veterans who are members of motorcycle clubs o understand why veterans join motorcycle clubs and how this relates to veteran identity and experience. Much of what has been previously found on male motorcycle club membership is similar to my findings on veterans. I found veterans' reasoning for joining motorcycle clubs varies based on personal experience, but common themes include brotherhood, support in their transition back to civilian life, aesthetics, and belonging.