Social Capital and Collective Memory: A Complex Relationship

Abstract

Summary The purpose of these analyses is to investigate collective memory, i.e. the shared historical experiences of a community, as driving force for contemporary social capital. Three societal characteristics are considered proxies for collective memory: the current institutional framework as indicator for present common experiences; the cultural attitudes as proxy for long‐term developments; and severe shocks in the history of the regions. The primary aim is thus to understand whether collective memory permits identification of not only the effects of recent (i.e. institutional) or distant (i.e. cultural) on‐going experiences, but also of the impact of such relevant shocks. For this purpose, a comprehensive case study is conducted within a cross‐border research area with special historical development, where it is possible to discriminate between these three indicators of collective memory. The findings suggest a significant impact of collective memory on social capital endowment. Particularly striking shocks are sustained in the collective memory of a community, influencing its behavior even long after the incident occurred. As a consequence, especially the levels of social trust and networking of the affected population are significantly influenced, such that the community develops protective measures in order to secure its norms, values and traditions. As a result, the social capital of a population is heavily influenced by events that occurred outside living memory.

Cultural Preferences and the Choice between Formal and Informal Financing

“…These results are in line with a well-documented difference between individuals of Germanic and Italian origin, i.e. their preference for interacting within formal institutions as opposed to more informal networks (Bandiera et al, 2010;Puntscher et al, 2014, Becker et al, 2016.…”

The Long‐term Effects of Political Violence on Political Attitudes: Evidence from the Spanish Civil War

“…Alesina and Giuliano () report an inverse relationship between family ties (a persistent cultural feature of societies) and political participation. Puntscher et al () argue that historical shocks may affect social capital endowment by shaping collective memory. In addition, even such exogenous shocks as natural disasters have been found to influence social capital (Toya and Skidmore ).…”

The Long-Term Effects of Political Violence on Political Attitudes: Evidence from the Spanish Civil War

“…THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON POLITICAL ATTITUDES (2011) report an inverse relationship between family ties (a persistent cultural feature of societies) and political participation. Puntscher et al (2014) argue that historical shocks may affect social capital endowment by shaping collective memory. In addition, even such exogenous shocks as natural disasters have been found to influence social capital (Toya and Skidmore 2014).…”