Consciousness of national identity in the life stories of Latvian residents born after World War II

Consciousness of national identity in the life stories of Latvian residents born after World War II

Māra Zirnīte In the past 20 years, since Latvia has been an independent nation, the notion of national identity has been regarded differently than it was during the previous 50 years, when the country was a part of the Soviet Union. In a relatively short time the Latvian people have experienced not only a change in the social order, but also a change in their consciousness in relation to the nation. In fact, the older generation has gone through this process several times throughout their lifetimes, in the same geographic place. This publication is dedicated to a study of the awareness of national identity after the renewal of national independence. The study has made use of two kinds of interviews: thematic and biographical interviews. Thematic interviews express opinions as the result of finished thought process. The biographical approach to research can simultaneously reveal causes and effects – these require a longer time to be studied, but they may be very helpful when the goal is to promote change. Molly Andrews’ 20-year study of an era of political change (“Shaping History, Narratives of Political Changes”), on the other hand, helps to provide a context for the biographical interviews. The collection of biographical interviews and life stories at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the University of Latvia was created over the past 20 years, a time that was likewise characterised by great social change. Thanks to the memory of social history, the symbols of belonging to the nation (ex., national flag and anthem) have been renewed. The heritage of historical memory ought to be viewed from a generational perspective. Regarding the awareness of national identity, the study shows that Latvian society does not consist of only two polar opposite positions – namely, that of citizen and non-citizen, or Latvian and Russian – but rather many smaller subgroups of positions. Historical memory influences these positions, but so does the social position and role that each individual has assumed in society both before and after the renewal of independence as well as individual ambitions, levels of education, and cultural experience. In order for a larger part of society to become aware of its national identity and for national stability  to increase, these differing experiences of history must be brought into closer contact with each other. The study of life stories and the circulation of these stories within the greater society play an important role in bringing together the historical memories of these various groups.