The sidewalk is a history book: Reflections on linking historical consciousness to uses of history

 

Authors

Kenneth Nordgren

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Affiliation

Karlstad University, Sweden

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Abstract

The ongoing discussion about what constitutes historical consciousness is intensifying within the growing international community of history-education researchers. What started as an exploration of how life outside schools affects our historical thinking has become a key concept for structuring formal education. This shift has largely been positive; however, there are reasons for caution. If practical adaption means outlining, classifying, and measuring levels of achieved awareness, it also presents a risk of losing the initial reason for considering the wider influence on our perceptions and orientations. My reflection in this article concerns this paradox and how it can affect a complementary concept, use of history. Using examples from everyday historical representations in public life, namely song lyrics, the BLM, and Sweden’s approach to Covid 19, I demonstrate why history education requires a broad understanding of historical consciousness and a readiness to work with public uses of history.

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Keywords

Historical consciousness, Uses of history, History education, History didactics

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How to Cite:

Nordgren, K. (2021). The sidewalk is a history book: Reflections on linking historical consciousness to uses of history, Historical Encounters, 8(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.52289/hej8.101

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• Published 4 May 2021

• Double Blind Peer Reviewed

• Author Retains Copyright

• Distributed under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License

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