For my english class we have to write a paper about War as a social Disease?

What does that mean? I really don't understand. We need different points about it so we can expand on the points.
Thank you for your help.

The term "social disease" has this for one of its definitions:

"A disease having its highest incidence among socioeconomic groups predisposed to it by a given set of adverse living or working conditions."

I really don't understand how this can be applied to war since wars are begun and continued by people of various socioeconomic groups, not all of whom live in "adverse" conditions.

I suppose you could compare war to some of the more physical games that are played -- for example, to football in the US. What comparison points can you think of between those two?

Another point your instructor may have in mind is that it may be addictive to some people, but you'd have to really work on drawing comparisons among several wars (who started them; why were they fought; under what conditions were they ended).

Let us know what you decide.

"War as a social disease" is a metaphorical phrase that depicts war as a negative and harmful aspect of society. It suggests that war, like a disease, spreads and affects various aspects of society, causing destruction, division, and suffering. It implies that war is not just an isolated event, but a deep-rooted problem that affects individuals, communities, and nations.

To expand on the points for your paper, here are a few different perspectives you can consider:

1. Loss of human life: War results in the loss of countless lives, creating grief, pain, and trauma for individuals and their families. You can delve into the emotional and psychological impact of war on those directly involved and those left behind.

2. Economic consequences: War imposes a massive financial burden on societies. It diverts resources from education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, hindering social progress. You can explore how military spending affects a nation's economy and its citizens' well-being.

3. Displacement and refugee crisis: War leads to mass displacement of people, causing refugee crises and humanitarian emergencies. You can discuss the social, political, and economic challenges that arise when large numbers of people are uprooted from their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

4. Social divisions and conflicts: War often amplifies existing societal divisions and can deepen ethnic, religious, or ideological conflicts. You can examine how war further polarizes communities, perpetuates discrimination, and fuels hatred and violence between different groups.

5. Long-term consequences: Wars leave behind a legacy of destruction and trauma that can persist for generations. You can explore how war affects social and cultural values, institutions, and the overall fabric of societies.

Remember, for each point you choose to expand on, it's essential to support your arguments with evidence, such as historical examples, case studies, statistical data, or personal testimonies. This will help strengthen the validity and impact of your paper.