Intergenerational transmission of historical memory of volcanic risk in Mexico

Abstract

Collective memory is built on concepts and meanings that a population shares and builds over time. These contents are perpetuated through oral transmission from generation to generation. In the case of populations exposed to volcanic risk, coexistence with the volcano is part of their history and daily life. The present study focuses on understanding the meanings, perceptions, and responses facing (before and after) volcanic crises. All these are taken from the collective memory that has been transmitted intergenerationally after the new stage of activity of the Popocatepetl volcano in 1994. It was carried out with qualitative methodology, based on symbolic interactionism, integrating elements of ethnography and grounded theory. People of different age groups from a Mexican community near the Popocatepetl volcano participated. The techniques used were in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. The historical memory of the volcano’s activity before and after the last reactivation was reconstructed, thus evidencing the generational processes.