Cultural and Mediatized Memory of Young Generations in Serbia: Transmitted Images from the Yugoslav Past

Abstract

The article is based on Assman’s theory of cultural memory. Although very complex, this theory is not sufficient to explain the phenomenon of the reconceptualization of Yugoslavia among the young generations. In this situation, it is crucial to combine the interdisciplinary fields of media studies, and generational research. After decades of effort to researching themes related to the former Yugoslavia, it was discovered that there are not many studies that examine how the younger generations interpret the produced meanings of this former state. A survey was conducted and in-depth interviews with individuals from these generations were conducted. 251 young persons responded to the questionnaire. The in-depth interview was unstructured and semi-structured. There were ten young people who decided to take part in it. Their observations, images, statements and memories of the former country are very interesting. Based on their transmitted knowledge and memories, the three significant paradigms can be distinguished: the paradigm of better life; the paradigm of a safe life; the paradigm of economic stability. Young post-Yugoslav generations in Serbia still have cultural memory thanks to generational transmission and mediatization. In the 15-19 age group the recall of Yugoslavian media contents has weakened.

Keywords

• cultural memory
• mediatized memory
• yugoslavia
• post-yugoslav generations
• young people
• serbia
• media