Collective memory-work: Origins, theoretical considerations, and practice

Abstract

The subject of this paper is social-scientific methodology collective memory-work and its relevance for psychological inquiry. The aim is to present it through elaboration of its historical and theoretical foundations and assumptions, as well as practical guidance for research. From the original idea until current literature, chosen aspects of this methodology are considered within certain theoretical frameworks and debates, with accompanying dilemmas, which is why the paper has polemic character. Introduction outlines the relevance of this methodology, as well as the relevance of the paper, as the first elaborated review of this subject in regional languages. Next follows the historical look at the pioneering project of collective memory-work, its feminist-Marxist background, as well as consideration of several theoretical aspects (subjectification, memories, experience and theory, collective deconstruction, person). Basic assumptions of the memory-work are derived from previous discussion and presented separately. The next section contains main directions of development and applications of the methodology, considerations relevant for psychological topics, and comparison with similar methodologies. Subsequent is the practical part of the paper, where the basic guidance for research is offered through progressive sequencing of the research phases. Finally, dilemmas regarding evaluation criteria for collective memory-work are discussed. In the conclusion, the place and relevance of this methodology for social-scientific and psychological research are summarized.