Constructing Collective Memories regarding Conflicto Armado Interno in Perú (1980-2000): Psychologýs Role and Contributions Based upon Experiences of Collective Reprocessing of Memories in Educational Contexts

Abstract

The construction of collective memory with regard to Conflicto Armado Interno (Internal Armed Conflict CAI) -violence that occurred in Perú between 1980 and 2000- is still a challenge that produces disputes and tension. It has been studied mostly by social scientists, from the point of view of ‘memory’ studies. Despite the great explanatory power of Psychology in understanding these type of processes, its contribution has mainly focused on mental health. Education has been the least researched area, despite the role the Truth and Reconciliation Committee attributed to education in schools and universities, in constructing memories about war. In this context, we reflect on the role of Psychology on constructing collective memory in educational settings. Starting from Hallbach´s classic theory of collective memory, to contributions from cognitive psychology and post-traumatic growth studies, we analyze two experiences in educational contexts with the purpose of proposing some guidelines for research and intervention.

Keywords:

• Collective memory
• memory and education
• political violence
• post-traumatic growth

Notes

1 Commonly translated as internal armed conflict.

2 In this study we consider as a starting point, and fundamental referent, the CVR, and therefore we take on the name it uses for this period.

3 That is by followers of former dictator Alberto Fujimori

4 Lugar de la Memoria, Tolerancia y la Inclusión Social, the CAI’s museum.

5 To cite two examples: A) The exhibit “Resistencia Visual 1992. Carpeta Colaborativa” had as its goal to approach the CAI and what it triggered. It was approved by Guillermo Nugent, then-director of the LUM. Nonetheless, some sectors of the fujimorismo denounced in social media that LUM had taken sides against them, which led to Nugent’s quick resignation. Even so, the exhibit was not taken down until its agreed upon end-date. See: https://bit.ly/2MAOCYN. B) In April, 2018, the congressman Edwin Donayreof Fujimorís party, went to a guided visit in the LUM dressed up as someone else. Later on, he published a video which had the purpose of claiming that the LUM was giving biased information. The squabble led to the firing of the LUM’s guide. Also, a commission of inquiry was proposed. See https://bit.ly/2wQoHZp.

6 The Education, Youth and Sports Commission of the Peruvian Congress mentioned that the information about the CAI in schoolbooks is “incomplete and biased with respect to the period of terrorism that the country went through”. Said commission has been challenged by several researches that highlight the negationist intentions of fujimorismo. See: https://bit.ly/2t5R3dL.