A symptom of collective forgetfulness : the rumor
Valérie Haas & Elodie Garros (Levasseur)
| Résumé |
This psychosocial study attempts to shed light on the essential
distinction between memory and recollection, and suggests a view of
forgetfulness in terms of its intrinsic links with transmission. We
study the effects and manifestations of collective forgetfulness,
which still remain under-explored in psychology. The relatively
recent case of a rumour that offered an explanation for and
asserted the unprecedented character of a natural disaster—a
symptom of forgetfulness—will serve as the basis for our
investigation. The qualitative methodological design (documentary
research, focus groups) used in this research reveals that the
group has not transmitted its own painful past and that the rumour
that continues to be promulgated offers an explanation which suits
the residents, demonstrating much about their identity and history
in the process. This paper will attempt therefore to investigate
the ways in which this forgetfulness is transmitted, as well as the
evident paradox of its coexistence with the recollection of history
within the collective memory of the very same group. |
| Mots-clés |
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| Citation | Haas, V., & Garros (Levasseur), E. (2013). A symptom of collective forgetfulness : the rumor. Culture & Psychology, 19(1), 60-75. |
| Type | Article de périodique (Anglais) |
| Date de publication | 2013 |
| Nom du périodique | Culture & Psychology |
| Volume | 19 |
| Numéro | 1 |
| Pages | 60-75 |
| URL | http://cap.sagepub.com/content/19/1/60.abstract |