Content analysis of living historical memory around the world: Terrorization of the Anglosphere, and national foundations of hope in developing societies

Recently, researchers have endeavored to extend cultural perspectives of collective remembering by examining communicative or living historical memory (collective memories that emerge from informal communication between ordinary people). The current study examined the content and subjective evaluation of living historical memory from open-ended nominations of historical events provided by samples from 39 societies. Results showed that Western societies were dominated by living memories of terrorism, reflecting a distinctly negative climate. By contrast, many developing societies displayed a more positive climate in living memory that was rooted in events related to their nation's foundation. The current study opens up avenues for conceptualizing the role of collective remembering in shaping emotional climates that influence (or may be part of) national political culture.

Automated summary

This study examines the content and subjective evaluation of living historical memory from open-ended nominations of historical events in 39 societies. The results reveal that Western societies are dominated by living memories of terrorism, while many developing societies have a more positive climate in their living memory, rooted in events related to their nation's foundation. This study provides insight into the role of collective remembering in shaping emotional climates and national political culture.