Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
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This thesis explores the role of nostalgia in shaping regional identity and political behavior in Eastern Germany, focusing on the rise of the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). It...Show moreThis thesis explores the role of nostalgia in shaping regional identity and political behavior in Eastern Germany, focusing on the rise of the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). It examines the historical context of Eastern Germany post-1949, detailing socio-economic and political changes since reunification in 1990, and the emergence of right-wing attitudes. The concept of "Ostalgie," or nostalgia for the former East Germany (GDR), is analyzed, highlighting its socio-political impact and how the AfD manipulates these sentiments to gain support. The study investigates the party's use of historical narratives and symbols from the GDR era to foster a sense of shared identity and community among Eastern German voters. The thesis also discusses the social and political implications of the AfD's strategies, including increased neo-Nazi activity and anti-foreigner sentiments. Ultimately, it aims to understand the politicization of historical narratives and collective memory, emphasizing the need to resist extremist ideologies and promote a more inclusive society.Show less
Among Korea’s historical figures Yi Sunsin is one of its most revered heroes. Admiral Yi made his name during the Imjin War (1592-1598) by giving his life to fend off the Japanese navy and thereby...Show moreAmong Korea’s historical figures Yi Sunsin is one of its most revered heroes. Admiral Yi made his name during the Imjin War (1592-1598) by giving his life to fend off the Japanese navy and thereby saving the Korean Peninsula. His spirit of overcoming national disaster was revived at the dawn of Japanese colonial rule through the research of Korean elites pleading for Chosŏn to become a modern and strong nation. This same task was continued by Park Chung-hee who once again called upon the spirit of Admiral Yi Sunsin, and made him the hero of the modern nation: Republic of Korea. This strategy of using a historical figure to fit political goals can be seen as an example of politics of memory. When analysing the image of Yi Sunsin presented over the last decennia, it becomes clear the admiral has been continuously used for the politics of memory: the image of Admiral Yi is recreated to support the policies and political agendas of the ruling government.Show less
The purpose of this research is to describe how iconoclasm is taking shape in contemporary Italy, by analyzing and comparing the “Mussolini Dux” obelisk in Rome with the statue of Indro Montanelli...Show moreThe purpose of this research is to describe how iconoclasm is taking shape in contemporary Italy, by analyzing and comparing the “Mussolini Dux” obelisk in Rome with the statue of Indro Montanelli in Milan: while the former resisted any form of iconoclasm from the post-war period until the present day, the latter has been recently subject to several iconoclastic acts. The different ways in which the public engages with these two monuments reveal that iconoclasm in Italy is driven by international influence, that is nevertheless resisted when it comes to challenging strong national ideologies like fascism. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this research suggests that iconoclasm is not opposite bur rather complementary to collective memory, as it recognizes the importance of remembering rather than forgetting. Iconoclasm is the phenomenon that make us remember that memory must be kept alive by demanding new interpretations of the past. However, this research also shows that this is not the way collective memory and iconoclasm are understood in Italy today.Show less
This thesis looks at the collective memory of trauma and its affect on European integration. It does so by analysing two migrant groups from the first decade after WW2, ethnic minorities surviving...Show moreThis thesis looks at the collective memory of trauma and its affect on European integration. It does so by analysing two migrant groups from the first decade after WW2, ethnic minorities surviving the Holocaust, and displaced German migrants reintegrating into West Germany, and how their experience influenced European integration. I discuss trauma theory, with reference to these two cases, to show its significance in relation to the integration of migrants into European multicultural society, providing further scope for analysis in academia. After a section on global perspectives of migration and multiculturalism, this thesis argues that trauma is a fundamental part of the migrant identity, which influences their integration into their new society. As European multiculturalism began to be rethought in Germany after WW2, trauma and memory of the war was the main cultural similarity between these two cases of migrants and local Germans, which began to reform integration perspective. This perspective of collective trauma and the socio-economic gains migrants brought to the economy would mark these reforms in European integration. This research can offer a niche in the debate on modern day political issues, for example populism and anti-globalisation rhetoric, as European states share different experiences on migrant trauma, and contrasting views on integration as a result of their multicultural perspective.Show less
"How are the Moluccans part of Dutch Collective Memory?" is the question that this Thesis tries to answer by using the concept of Collective Memory by Maurice Halbwachs and by discussing the...Show more"How are the Moluccans part of Dutch Collective Memory?" is the question that this Thesis tries to answer by using the concept of Collective Memory by Maurice Halbwachs and by discussing the historical relationship between the Netherlands and the Moluccas, Dutch Education, Museums, Monuments, Memorials, post-colonial debate and a sef-made online survey where people who attended Dutch schools are asked how much they know about the Moluccan Community living in the Netherlands.Show less
This thesis analyzes the changes in the political behavior of Peronist leaders towards the memory of the dictatorial past. It offers a comparative analysis of Menemism and Kirchnerism, their...Show moreThis thesis analyzes the changes in the political behavior of Peronist leaders towards the memory of the dictatorial past. It offers a comparative analysis of Menemism and Kirchnerism, their discourse regarding the last military dictatorship and their relationship with human rights activist groups, notably Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo. Additionally, it attempts to conduct an early analysis of newly elected president Alberto Fernández and whether he is likely to follow the ideological path of his predecessor, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. It understands post-dictatorship Argentina through the lenses of global issues such as populism and collective memory.Show less
A comparative study of two memorials and their museums (Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Yasukuni Shrine) in Japan, with an insight on the public opinion of the two on the web.
This thesis provides an analysis of the use of language within the collective memory of 9/11. It studies different commemorative areas -the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, presidential...Show moreThis thesis provides an analysis of the use of language within the collective memory of 9/11. It studies different commemorative areas -the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, presidential speeches, and 9/11 documentaries- through a discourse analysis in order to establish the dominant discourse of 9/11.Show less
Although trees are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Israel/Palestine conflict, the aim of this thesis is to demonstrate that specific trees play a significant and active...Show moreAlthough trees are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Israel/Palestine conflict, the aim of this thesis is to demonstrate that specific trees play a significant and active role in the conflict and in the construction of Israeli and Palestinian collective memories and identities. Beyond providing mere metaphoric expressions of Israeli and Palestinian rootedness, trees give material form to claims to the contested land of Israel/Palestine. Thus, the Israel/Palestine conflict is not merely a struggle over land, but also a struggle conducted and articulated through the land and through trees more specifically, as both Israelis and Palestinians invest memory in “their” trees, the pine tree and the olive tree respectively.Show less
This bachelor’s thesis deals with the topic of collective memory in Latin America. It analyzes the role of the Centro Nacional de Memoria Histórica (CNMH) in the construction of collective memory...Show moreThis bachelor’s thesis deals with the topic of collective memory in Latin America. It analyzes the role of the Centro Nacional de Memoria Histórica (CNMH) in the construction of collective memory and concludes that it can be understood as a new approach to peace building. The thesis is divided into three parts: first it gives a theoretical background about the concept of collective memory. The second part deals with collective memory in the Southern Cone of Latin America and shows recent developments in the field. The third part turns to the Colombian case study. Here the Colombian conflict is shortly explained and the CNMH tasks are presented. Thereafter the discussion follows, which concludes that the construction of collective memory can be understood as a peace-building tool. In this context the focus of the CNMH on the victims is explained. The focus on the victims in the construction of collective memories about the Colombian conflict serves as a tool to relieve them from the psychological burden that presses on their shoulders due to the experienced violence. In addition the victims serve as a common denominator in memory, since by the focus on the victims the actual cause of the conflict, political and societal polarization, is taken out of the focus of the public commemoration process. In addition to that, by the focus on the victims, the CNMH registers civil society’s voices and ensures that they are heard. By giving civilians a greater level of participation in the public debate, the civil society becomes a third party actor, which is seen as crucial to an enduring peace process.Show less
