Collective memory

The present chapter aims to review the main issues related to the concept of collective memory and the studies that have been done in this field. Firstly, we present a broader definition of memory and introduce the main traditions on the study of memory; namely, Ebbinghaus’ study-test paradigm which aimed to investigate the memory processes in an individualistic way and Bartlett’s studies about the cultural influences on memory. Bartlett’s theory about remembering as a social issue alongside with Durkheim’s paradigm of the collective representations influenced Halbwachs to develop a theory about collective memory which is then presented, focusing on its main features related to how the present social framework determines the reconstruction of the past by a group. Next, we discuss the many concepts related to a collective memory that have arisen during the last decades, such as social memory and cultural memory, paying attention to how these concepts sometimes complement or contend each other. We propose some definitions to these concepts in a complementary way in order to avoid confusion. Then, we present the re-born of the social memory studies which took place during the 1980s through the studies related to sites of memory and public commemorations. We also present the main theories about the conditions required to the establishment and maintenance of commemorations rituals and sites of memory. Next, we discuss the concept of cultural memory focusing on its relationship with collective memory and history. Then, we discuss the role of the generational issue on collective memory and we present studies that corroborate this role through the critical age hypothesis, which affirms that the events occurred during youth are more recalled. Starting from this point, we present studies related to how people recall social events. Firstly, starting from the collective memory paradigm and the generational theories, we present Schuman and colleagues’ studies about the events occurred in the last century that people consider as the most important, it means, the collective memory of events that have witnesses still alive. We also show studies in a life course approach, which aims to investigate the socio-historical events that have more impact on people’s lives. Then, we present studies related to a larger period in history. The recalling of these events refers to a different process because people have to construct theories about the past from the clues that last, from narratives institutionalized, from history knowledge, etc., since there is no one who has lived the events alive. Then, we introduce the Social Representations Theory, which was presented by Serge Moscovici aiming to go beyond the apparent dichotomy between individualistic and collectivistic approaches on knowledge construction. This theory is briefly presented in order to understand the studies next presented about the social representations of history. Finally, we discuss the relations between collective memory and identity. We present the social movement's approach, which aims to analyze collective memory as a process of competition in which groups gain status and power while they try to institutionalize their version of the past. We also present Bar-Tal’s model of intergroup conflicts rise and maintenance, focusing on the role of narratives in it. In the end, we present a brief conclusion reviewing the main topics discussed and reflecting on futures lines of research.