Gudehus asks in his paper if new case studies have contributed to our understanding of the phenomenon of collective memory by advancing the methodology and theory. Otherwise it may look as if the discipline has reached a critical point in its development. Gudehus argues that we already have enough data to construct a theory on how societies deal with violent aspects of their past. Such a theory must be based on a comparative meta-analysis of case studies of different societies in different historical contexts. Another question is whether the study of the past should be viewed as a mere phase in cyclical development or as a country-specific discourse. To put it differently: perhaps "dealing with the past" is altogether of secondary importance and should be comprehended within the context of other political and societal developments. Using existing case studies, Gudehus will discuss the problems relevant to creating a comprehensive theory of collective memory.
Christian Gudehus is Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Memory Research in Essen, Germany. Dr. Gudehus has published extensively in the field of memory culture, particularly with regard to the Holocaust. He is currently working on a research project, “Frames of Reference in War: Perceptions and Interpretations of Axis-Power Soldiers, 1939-1945."
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