Repertoires of Remembering: A Conceptual Approach for Studying Memory Practices in the Digital Ecosystem

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brant Burkey
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Collective Memory ◽  
Memory Studies ◽  
Media Ecology ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Memory Research ◽  
Digital Ecosystem ◽  
Metadata Analysis ◽  
Media Channels ◽  
Memory Practices

Although the preponderance of collective memory research focuses on particular cultural repository sites, memorials, traumatic events, media channels, texts, or commemorative rituals as objects of study, this article fills a gap in literature by arguing that it is time to refresh established media-memory studies to now also consider how multimodal practices promise insight into the process of shared remembering in the new media ecology. The specific focus here is to propose a conceptual approach for how collective remembering can be observed, experienced, and researched in the digital ecosystem. In addition to a survey of collective memory and media memory studies, this article identifies specific ways to examine this issue by introducing the concepts of multimodal memory practices and platformed communities of memory, and by arguing that metadata analysis of digital practices should be considered a contemporary form of studying collective memory.

Towards a cognitive pragmatics of collective remembering

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas M. Bietti
Keyword(s):  
Collective Memory ◽  
Real World ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Memory Studies ◽  
Memory Research ◽  
New Approach ◽  
The Past ◽  
Discourse Processes ◽  
Collective Remembering ◽  
Discourse Psychology

This article aims to provide a cognitive and discourse based theory to collective memory research. Despite the fact that a large proportion of studies in collective memory research in social, cognitive, and discourse psychology are based on investigations of (interactional) cognitive and discourse processes, neither linguistics nor cognitive and social psychologists have proposed an integrative, interdisciplinary and discursive-based theory to memory research. I argue that processes of remembering are always embodied and action oriented reconstructions of the past, which are highly dynamic and malleable by means of communication and context. This new approach aims to provide the grounds for a new ecologically valid theory on memory studies which accounts for the mutual interdependencies between communication, cognition, meaning, and interaction, as guiding collective remembering processes in the real-world activities.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Biographies in Collective Memory Research: The Method of Socio-Historical Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 94-109
Author(s):  
Elifcan Karacan
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Collective Memory ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Memory Studies ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Macro Level ◽  
Reconstruction Method ◽  
Memory Research

This article explores the use of biographies in qualitative research about collective memory. It is argued that commemorative ceremonies, as well as changes appearing in macro-level structures within the time-span of individuals’ life histories need to be included when analyzing biographies in collective memory studies. The article suggests enhancement of the biographical case reconstruction method (Rosenthal 1993; 2004) with two additional stages: analysis of the experienced past with more emphasis on socio-historical transformations; and inclusion and analysis of the ethnographical data collected from collective mnemonic practices. By providing empirical data from the research conducted with political exiles in Germany, these analytical steps of the method of socio-historical analysis are demonstrated in detail.

scholarly journals Uretfærdighedssymboler og sociale bevægelser

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 53-69
Author(s):  
Thomas Olesen
Keyword(s):  
Social Movements ◽  
New Media ◽  
Collective Memory ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Media Ecology ◽  
Media Technologies ◽  
Collective Actors ◽  
The World ◽  
Form Part ◽  
The One

Formålet med artiklen er at tilbyde en teoretisk og konceptuel ramme for forskning i uretfærdighedssymboler og sociale bevægelser. Uretfærdighedssymboler forstås som symboler, der for et kollektiv kondenserer og udstiller en generel uretfærdig tilstand i samfundet/verden. Studiet af uretfærdighedssymboler fremstår underbelyst i den politiske sociologi. Artiklen arbejder i to spor. På den ene side argumenteres det, at den nuværende samfundstype med globale kommunikationsstrømme og nye medieteknologier promoverer betydningen af uretfærdighedssymboler i de sociale bevægelsers aktiviteter. På den anden side pointeres det, at relationen mellem symboler og sociale bevægelser på ingen måde er historisk ny. Tværtimod er grundpåstanden, ikke mindst inspireret af den sene Durkheim, at symboler er et grundlæggende element i reproduktionen af menneskelige samfund. En udforskning af dynamikken mellem uretfærdighedssymboler og sociale bevægelser er sociologisk interessant af to grunde. For det første er uretfærdighedssymboler resultatet af politiske menings- og værdiprocesser, hvor kollektive aktører tillægger begivenheder, personer og andre objekter en universaliserende betydning. For det andet indgår uretfærdighedssymboler som en del af vores kollektive erindring og optræder derfor som idemæssige ressourcer, der kan mobiliseres uden for deres rumlige og tidslige forankring. Sociale bevægelser har med andre ord en social og politisk dobbeltrolle, hvor de både er skabere og ”forbrugere” af symboler. ENGELSK ABSTRACT: Thomas Olesen: Injustice Symbols and Social Movements The purpose of the article is to offer a theoretical and conceptual framework for research on injustice symbols and social movements. Injustice symbols are understood as symbols that condense and expose an overall unjust situation in society/the world. The study of these symbols appears somewhat neglected in political sociology. The article pursues two tracks. On the one hand, it argues that the present type of society with global currents of communication and new media technologies is promoting the significance of injustice symbols in the activities of social movements. On the other hand, it stresses that the relation between these symbols and social movements is by no means historically new. On the contrary, not least inspired by Durkheim, the basic argument is that symbols constitute a fundamental element in the reproduction of human societies. An investigation into the dynamics between injustice symbols and social movements is interesting from a sociological point of view for two reasons. First, injustice symbols are the result of political opinion- and value processes whereby collective actors ascribe a universalizing meaning to events, individuals and other objects. Second, these symbols form part of our collective memory. Consequently, they act as ideational resources that can be mobilized outside their spatial and time-related framework. In sum, social movements have a social and political double role where they are both creators and users of symbols. Keywords: social movements, symbols, new media ecology, Durkheim, injustice.

Collective Memory and Journalism

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Bosch
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Collective Memory ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Memory Studies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Memory Work ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
Cultural Sites ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Journalistic Practice

The relationship between the practice and field of journalism and the interdisciplinary field of memory studies is complex and multifaceted. There is a strong link between collective memory production and journalistic practice, based on the proposition that journalists produce first drafts of history by using the past in their reportage. Moreover, the practice of journalism is a key agent of memory work because it serves as one of society’s main mechanisms for recording and remembering, and in doing so helps shape collective memory. Journalism can be seen as a memory text, with journalists constructing news within cultural-interpretive frames according to the cultural environment. Journalism also plays a key role in the production of visual memory and new media, including social media. Journalism is thus a key agent of memory work, providing a space for commentary on institutional and cultural sites of memory construction.

scholarly journals Theoretical and Methodological Approaches to Collective Memory Analysis in Memory Studies

Discourse ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-63
Author(s):  
A. A. Nechaeva
Keyword(s):  
Collective Memory ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Memory Studies ◽  
Memory Research ◽  
The Past ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
The Given

Introduction. Collective memory research helps to uncover the deeply imbedded meaning of the past in the present, to follow the identity development process in various communities, to find narrative structures that define societal foundations. Simultaneously, such research can be complicated from the empirical point of view. The scientific novelty of the given article lies in the fact that theoretical and methodological approaches to collective memory research have not yet been summarized and systematized up to this date. The goal of this research is to provide such a review and determine the most valid research methods in Memory Studies. The relevance of the presented research is determined by the fact that the proposition of a methodological apparatus for Memory Studies is necessary for the finalization of its formation as an independent discipline.Methodology and sources. Collective memory theory served as the theoretical-methodological foundation of the conducted research, it allowed to view the past not as a set given but as an object undergoing interpretation and representation. Such academics as M. Halbwachs, M. Bloch, A. Warburg, Jan and Aleida Assmann, J. Olick, A. Erll and others developed the following theory. A range of scientists dedicated their work to the discovery of collective memory research methods, among them M. Bulanova, W. Kansteiner, A. Erll, B. Zelizer, A. Confino, T. Kapitonova, V. Belokrylova, etc. J. Olick made a considerable impact into the understanding of the given issue, having suggested to view memory as a process developing in time, which required to define the methods of analysis that would be able to take this characteristic into account. However, a complete list as well as a general system and classification of methods have not been developed in the academic literature up to the present day. Having appeared at an intersection of various humanities and social sciences, Memory Studies adopts empirical research methods from Sociology, Political science, Culture Studies, Psychology, Media Studies, Visual Studies, etc. In course of the presented research, the relevant empirical research works in the Memory Studies field by international and Russian authors have been analyzed, we considered the research carried out by Ch. Lindt, A. Vasil'ev, T. Emel'yanova, A. Timofeeva, V. Kasamara, E. Hakokongas, E. Keightley, M. Meyers, B. Zelizer, and others. That allowed us to determine the most frequently applied collective memory research methods, to compile their overview and develop the author classification of the used methods.Results and discussion. An overview of key theoretical approaches to collective memory research was provided. They include functional, phenomenological, post-structural, social-historical and information approaches. J. Olick enriched the list of five theoretical approaches suggested by M. Bulanova by introducing the process-relativist approach to studying collective memory. The main research methods applied in Memory Studies were outlined; moreover, a classification of key disciplinary traditions that academics turn to in memory research was introduced featuring sociological, psychological, information, cultural and historical traditions as well as a separate branch of Computer Sciences.Conclusion. As a result of the conducted research, a systematic overview and an author's classification of theoretical-methodological approaches to collective memory analysis were introduced. The findings of the given research can be implemented by a range of academics working on the issues of group identity building, ways of working with contested past, historical events representation in the present, the functioning of memory communities, etc. The defining of the methodological apparatus of Memory studies serves as a moving force for the effective development, generalization and bringing to a common understanding the further research of collective memory structures formation and distribution as well as concepts related to it.

NARRATIVE ANALYSIS AS A COLLECTIVE MEMORY RESEARCH METHOD

2020 ◽  
pp. 81-93
Author(s):  
Aleksandra A. Nechaeva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Collective Memory ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Memory Studies ◽  
Memory Research ◽  
Methodological Foundation ◽  
Independent Field ◽  
Scientific Potential ◽  
Fundamental Research

The interest towards the issues of collective memory has not faded since the “memory boom” of the 20th century. Despite the considerable amount of theoretical and fundamental research into the collective memory, its aspects and varieties, less attention has been paid to the methodological foundation of the discipline. The establishing of the methodological apparatus of Memory Studies is necessary for its final formation into an independent field of knowledge. Many researchers have been describing various approaches to defining the research methodology of Memory Studies. However, the suggested methods allowed to analyze only static and fragmented manifestations of collective memory. Nowadays, collective memory researchers see it, first of all, as a process unfolding in time. Such an understanding of memory as a process, possessing temporal characteristics, happening in a cultural context and dependent on as well as formative for its participating subjects, lead to the establishment of ideas regarding the narrative nature of collective memory. That calls for a necessity to define a relevant research method that would allow to evaluate social practices of collective memory as well as the historical and sociocultural context that affects them. The goal of the given work lies in the systematization of presented in the academic literature ideas of the narrativeness of collective memory and in the evaluation of the scientific potential of narrative analysis in collective memory research.

Memory, Ethnography and the Method of Memory

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-82
Author(s):  
Soibam Haripriya
Keyword(s):  
Collective Memory ◽  
Memory Studies ◽  
External Memory ◽  
Social Anthropology ◽  
Sociological Tradition ◽  
Fieldwork Experience ◽  
Memory Practices

The fieldwork experience of social anthropology is mediated by memory. The memories of the informants and the researchers own memory recuperate the field partially for the audience—academic or otherwise. This article through disparate sections elaborates the method of memory in doing research. With a brief introduction to collective memory in the sociological tradition this work introduces memory ethnography. External memory—from the act of writing to mnemonic aids that accompany us in the field is ubiquitous to the extent that it has become almost an extension of oneself. The imbrications of memory-technology though reveal the fear of technology taking over the task of memory. The explosion of memory studies triggered through the study of violence is analysed through new forms of commemoration. In placing the seemingly disparate sections I attempt to look at new forms of memory practices contextualising it in and through the various artefacts that it produces.

Customizing memory: Number tattoos in contemporary Israeli memory work

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 649-661
Author(s):  
Ella Klik
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Collective Memory ◽  
Holocaust Survivors ◽  
Political Context ◽  
Unique Form ◽  
Media Attention ◽  
Memory Work ◽  
Memory Practices ◽  
Generational Succession ◽  
Actual Size

This article considers the recent appearance of the Auschwitz prisoner number tattoo on the bodies of Israeli descendants of Holocaust survivors. While media attention granted to this phenomenon is disproportionate to its actual size, it reveals something fundamental about Holocaust representation and commemoration in Israel today. Thinking through the concept of postmemory and its reliance on mediation in this context means that the skin itself can be regarded as a medium passing on memories that have not been directly experienced. The significance of the skin as a locus for commemoration is examined in relation and opposition to other various institutionalized forms of memory practices, to argue that re-tattooing is a form of customizable individual and collective memory. This practice serves as a unique form of bodily memorialization that plays out in the context of new media tools, a socio-political context, and generational succession.

Memory Practices in the Classroom

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Ahlrichs ◽  
Katharina Baier ◽  
Barbara Christophe ◽  
Felicitas Macgilchrist ◽  
Patrick Mielke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Media Studies ◽  
History Education ◽  
Memory Studies ◽  
Ethnographic Fieldwork ◽  
The Past ◽  
Online Videos ◽  
Memory Practices

This article draws on memory studies and media studies to explore how memory practices unfold in schools today. It explores history education as a media- saturated cultural site in which particular social orderings and categorizations emerge as commonsensical and others are contested. Describing vignettes from ethnographic fieldwork in German secondary schools, this article identifies different memory practices as a nexus of pupils, teachers, blackboards, pens, textbooks, and online videos that enacts what counts as worth remembering today: reproduction; destabilization without explicit contestation; and interruption. Exploring mediated memory practices thus highlights an array of (often unintended) ways of making the past present.

Memory Practices in History Education about the 1947 British India Partition

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 10-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meenakshi Chhabra
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Collective Memory ◽  
History Education ◽  
Historical Event ◽  
Collective Violence ◽  
British India ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
History Textbook ◽  
Collective Memories ◽  
Memory Practices

This article is an epistemological reflection on memory practices in the construction, deconstruction, and reconstruction of collective memories of a historical event involving collective violence and conflict in formal and informal spaces of education. It focuses on the 1947 British India Partition of Punjab. The article engages with multiple memory practices of Partition carried out through personal narrative, interactions between Indian and Pakistani secondary school pupils, history textbook contents, and their enactment in the classroom by teachers. It sheds light on the complex dynamic between collective memory and history education about events of violent conflict, and explores opportunities for and challenges to intercepting hegemonic remembering of a violent past.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document