A study analyzes collective memory of World War II (WWII). Collective memory, which is how groups remember a shared past, often shapes individual identity. However, collective memory reinforces ethnocentrism when group members view themselves in a superior light and others in a derogatory manner. To explore collective memory in relation to WWII, Henry L. Roediger III et al. surveyed 937 natives of 8 former Allied nations and 401 natives of 3 former Axis nations about their knowledge and attitudes concerning the war. Overall, participants' knowledge of WWII was relatively accurate, with Russian participants, who represented the former Soviet Union, performing the best on a knowledge test. Individuals from Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States claimed that their country shouldered more than 50% of the responsibility for war efforts, with individuals from Russia claiming the most responsibility for winning the war. Individuals from the former Axis nations collectively overestimated responsibility for their role in fighting for the other side. The findings suggest strong collective narcissism in estimating the contribution of efforts during WWII, according to the authors.
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Article #19-07992: "Competing national memories of World War II," by Henry L. Roediger III and colleagues
MEDIA CONTACT: Henry L. Roediger III, Washington University in St. Louis, MO; tel: 314-935-4307, 314-324-2218, 314-727-0042; email: roediger@wustl.edu
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences