Negotiating histories

Epistemic interest and research question:

There are diverse constructions of past(s) and memory practices in plural societies. They are an expression of shared, divided, and conflicting memories. They are shaped by and embedded in specific power relations. The research project explores the relationship between existing historical knowledge about the Holocaust and National socialist past, discursive practices of representation in remembering pasts, and the negotiation of belonging in historical-political adult
education. Using the example of a German orientation course, the research project assumes that teachers and learners navigate in discursive exchange
about histories between the (re-)production of national (state) structuring and the attempt to make diversity visible in historical references. It also sheds light on how both inclusive and exclusionary discourses on history and belonging(s) coexist in the dissemination of historical knowledge. The project addresses a relevant and urgent issue in adult education in migration societies.

The main focus is on the teaching-learning situation in a BAMF orientation course.  Considering this setting, the following central questions are addressed: (i) What can be observed in the teacher’s and participants’ communication and joint (pedagogical) practice about past(s) and histories in an orientation course regarding
the participants’ heterogeneity? Which histories are presented in the course beyond a ‘German history’ (BAMF, 2017, p. 33)? To what extent do ‘other’ memories and histories find a space to be told and discussed? Who participates, negotiates, and decides what is remembered and discussed?

Project design and method:

The research project uses methods of empirical social research to gather the perspectives of adult educators and course participants: A participating observation as well as a focus group discussion are carried out. Collected data is then evaluated by content analyses.
 

Project duration:

2019 - 12/2023

Findings and publication:

https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2023.2266777