Detach to power: The collective memory -work experience

• Main Author: Travis, Mary Ann
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2003
• Subjects: Cognitive psychology; Cognitive therapy; Social psychology; Womens studies
• ISBN: 0496385550; 9780496385553

Collective memory-work is a social-research method. It is a feminist method that has potential to blend positive aspects of both modern and postmodern approaches to research. Collective memory-work is a collective way of working within small groups to examine early experiences. Collective memory-work collapses theory and experience in order that participants gain in understanding. The aim of collective memory-work is social change or liberation. This study began as a qualitative study of how participants in a collective memory-work group experienced the collective memory-work and its effects. However, it became clear as time passed, that the whole collective memory-work process was of interest and worth examining. The study ultimately follows a collective memory-work group from start to finish. It uses tapes of sessions, artifacts, personal journal entries, and semi-structured interviews to articulate the experience of participation, the experience of facilitation, and the effects of working collectively with early memories. The literature reviewed included literature on consciousness-raising groups, storytelling groups, and narrative therapy groups. Literature on agency and autonomy in individuals and groups was also reviewed. The small size of the group makes it impossible to generalize from the results. However, there was evidence in this study that supports collective memory-work as a way of working with early memories to help participants find authentic, rather than culturally scripted, voices.