collective memory
Definition
Collective memory refers to widely held memories of community members that bear on their collective identity and shape psychological responses to political events. Collective memory operates through multiple pathways within social identity processes: it influences whether democracy becomes central to a group's identity, whether democratic backsliding is perceived as unjust, and whether a group perceives efficacy in resisting such backsliding. Collective memory can be selectively constructed and reframed through political rhetoric and media to legitimize authoritarianism or, conversely, to sustain commitment to democratic principles.
Sources: Lavie-Driver & Linden (2026)
Related Terms
Applications
Collective Memory and Social Identity
Collective memory and social identity interact to shape whether individuals perceive democratic backsliding as an injustice warranting collective action. The varying importance of democracy to a group's identity and their historical experiences of collective efficacy—both rooted in collective memory—determine willingness to engage in collective action in response to democratic threats.
Sources: Lavie-Driver & Linden (2026)
Collective Memory and Collective Action
Collective memories that portray democracy as historically central and past democratic resistance as successful feed into pathways that increase perceived injustice and group efficacy, thereby predicting collective action. Conversely, collective memories that valorize authoritarian stability reduce both perceived injustice and efficacy, thereby hindering collective action against democratic backsliding.
Sources: Lavie-Driver & Linden (2026)
Collective Memory and Group Efficacy
Collective memory shapes group efficacy beliefs regarding the realistic achievability of collective action goals. A group's collective memory of whether similar mobilizations have succeeded or failed influences their confidence in the capacity of their group to resist democratic backsliding.
Sources: Lavie-Driver & Linden (2026)
