Journal Articles

Collective Memory and Narrative Templates

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An episode of social conflict between Russian and Estonian “mnemonic communities” is used as a framework
for exploring issues of collective memory. In order to understand the strong Russian reaction to the Estonian decision
to move a memorial statue, it is argued that the notion of “deep memory” is needed, a notion that is, in turn, grounded
in the construct of a “narrative template.” The particular narrative template examined is the Russian “Expulsion of Foreign Enemies” plot line. The call for recognizing a distinction between abstract narrative templates, on the one hand, and “specific narratives,” on the other is viewed as applying to a wide range of cases where mnemonic communities seem to exist in implacable opposition. In such cases deep memory and the narrative templates around which it is organized are set forth as strong underlying conservative forces that resist change in collective memory at a deep level. It is suggested that debates grounded in formal history (as opposed to collective memory) may help overcome this resistance to change but that such efforts will be limited as long as the forces of deep collective memory are not recognized.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Social Research: An International Quarterly of the Social Sciences

Call Number

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Publisher

New York : New School., 2008

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

0037-783X

Classification

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Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Vol. 75, No. 1, Page 133-156

Subject(s)

Collective memory
Narrative Templates

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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