Studies on National Movements

Abstract

Arguing that the field of nationalism studies has traditionally been underpinned by the traditional dichotomy between forgetting and memory, this article will highlight the important role (social) forgetting plays in the construction of national identities. Using Benedict Anderson’s notion of ‘characteristic amnesia’ as a starting point, the article will further develop his concept by introducing the notions of ‘enframed’ and ‘diffusion’ as key elements to understand the relevance of ‘characteristic amnesia’ for studying nationalism. To underscore this point, the article will apply the redefined concept to the cases of nationalism in Quebec and Flanders from the period of 1945 to 1980, as the two cases strikingly illustrate how in similar social and economic circumstances, a divergence in the form of characteristic amnesias has contributed to the political transformation of nationalism and national identity.

Keywords: Nationalism, Quebec, Flanders, Benedict Anderson, Social Forgetting, Memory Studies, Characteristic Amnesia

How to Cite:

Swerts, K., (2026) “Reconsidering the dynamic between memory and forgetting in nationalism studies.  An analysis of “Characteristic Amnesias” in Flanders and Quebec (1945-1980)”, Studies on National Movements 15(1), 25. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/snm.101120