Abstract:
Memory politics have been studied from the social sciences mainly in institutional environments, but their approach in everyday life perspective is scarce. This article contributes to this perspective by presenting the results of a study that sought to understand the construction of memories of Chile’s recent past (1970-1990) and its political effects from the daily lives of young people. Interviews were carried out with 33 young people selected from different socioeconomic levels, ideological positions and ties in relation to the conflict of political repression experienced during the military dictatorship. From the discursively analyzed material, it is evident that, for young people, conversations with family members are fundamental spaces for making memory, where their position is mediated by being considered not a legitimate voice to remember a past not directly experienced by them. In the same way, the memories built by young people are characterized by fragmentation and connection with everyday life. It is concluded that although the above has implied in depoliticizing memory, it also potentially installs its politicization.
Keywords:
Memory; Politics; Everyday life; Young people; Chile’s recent past