Shared memories of past suffering cement ingroup solidarity and we–they boundaries.
Evidence
Collective victimhood is sustained both by the memories and feelings that tinge it. Historical narratives are also identity narratives. Research studies show that unpleasant memories of victimisation are not forgotten because the victim group often uses them for celebratory purposes. Why else would there be so many memorials. Such historical memories play a major role in enhancing ingroup solidarity as recall of the past suffering that the group experienced together adds to their feeling of ‘we-ness’ (Frijda, 1997; Jacobs, 2004). It also sets them apart from the other group. As predicted by social identity theory, such intergroup differentiation also helps in setting up we–they boundaries (Tajfel & Turner, 1985). — R. C. Tripathi, R. Kumar, and V. N. Tripathi, When the Advantaged Feel Victimised, 23
Categorization
- XREF: Connects to the reader’s interest in victimhood-claiming by dominant groups: memory of injury as a solidarity resource maps onto the US whiteness literature and the Hindu upper-caste Indian case. — connects to: Solidarity means mutual recognition of belonging, forged through struggle. — Michelle I. Gawerc, Coalition-building and the forging of…, 80; Shared memory of loss, not just material interests, binds refugee groups together. — Manuel Borutta and Jan C. Jansen, Vertriebene and Pieds-Noirs in Postwar…, 91; Shared trauma creates both closeness and distance within families — Moustafa Bayoumi, How Does It Feel to Be a Problem? Being…, 144 (+2 more)
Broader Connections
- Shared memory of loss, not just material interests, binds refugee groups together.
#corroborates(0.95) — Manuel Borutta and Jan C. Jansen, Vertriebene and Pieds-Noirs in Postwar…, 91 - Shared suffering forged a common task and vision across the African diaspora
#exemplifies(0.90) — Cedric J. Robinson, Black Marxism_ The Making of the Black…, 829 - Shared trauma creates both closeness and distance within families
#complicates(0.85) — Moustafa Bayoumi, How Does It Feel to Be a Problem? Being…, 144 - Collective identity and shared grievances reinforce each other bidirectionally
#expands(0.80) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4428