Introduction: Memories of Joy

TY - JOUR

T1 - Introduction: Memories of Joy

AU - Andersen, Tea Sindbæk

AU - Ortner, Jessica

PY - 2019/2/1

Y1 - 2019/2/1

N2 - This introduction argues that the field of memory studies needs to pay more attention to the role of joyful and positive types of memory. Quoting recent discussions, we propose that the dominant focus on traumatic and dark pasts within memory studies carries the risks that the research field ignores important aspects of collective memory and eclipses group memories that differ from societies’ hegemonic discourse about the past. Contemporary societies also need positive or hopeful memories in order to create alternative imaginaries for the future. This special issue sets out to explore what memories of joy may look like and how they can be studied.

AB - This introduction argues that the field of memory studies needs to pay more attention to the role of joyful and positive types of memory. Quoting recent discussions, we propose that the dominant focus on traumatic and dark pasts within memory studies carries the risks that the research field ignores important aspects of collective memory and eclipses group memories that differ from societies’ hegemonic discourse about the past. Contemporary societies also need positive or hopeful memories in order to create alternative imaginaries for the future. This special issue sets out to explore what memories of joy may look like and how they can be studied.

KW - Faculty of Humanities

KW - Memory

KW - Joy

KW - Trauma

U2 - 10.1177/1750698018811976

DO - 10.1177/1750698018811976

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1750-6980

VL - 12

SP - 5

EP - 10

JO - Memory Studies

JF - Memory Studies

IS - 1

ER -