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I enjoy looking at family memorabilia: on the institutionalization of family memory

Summary/Abstract: Introduction. The literature identifies three types of “institutions” (i.e., established, regularly realized patterns of social roles and behaviors) that serve to maintain family memory. The third of these institution is the “family treasury” containing memorabilia. Memorabilia is always associated with some situation from the past: an event, or a family member. The memory of these situations is not always present, but thanks to memorabilia we can remember and reminisce, because they are “reminders”. Aim. The aim of the article is to show the importance of family memorabilia in the institutionalization of family memory among high school students, history teachers, and Polish people. Methods and materials. The following tools were used in the work: analysis of the results of two representative quantitative and qualitative studies. The basic research technique was questionnaire interviews conducted with three groups of respondents – high school students (N = 3718), Poles over 20 years of age (N = 1068) and high school history teachers (N = 1115). The material was enriched with quantitative research of 8 group interviews with Poles over20 years of age, 8 interviews with teachers working in high schools and 16 group interviews with high school students. Results. The analysis shows that the greater the interest in viewing family memorabilia, the greater the tendency to attribute patriotism, an interest in politics, a higher level of civic attitudes, a larger collection of books and a higher level of historical knowledge. Additionally, a correlation was found between being a woman, older age, higher education and an interest in viewing family memorabilia. Conclusion. The link between viewing family memorabilia and patriotism, an interest in politics, a higher level of historical knowledge or greater civic engagement can be used to classify individuals as “strong families” - i.e., well-rooted in the past. Possessing and viewing family memorabilia can be a motivating factor for civic engagement. Memories under the influence of browsing (possessing) memorabilia shape the sense of identity and belonging, which in turn can inspire actions for the common good.

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