How Societies Remember the Past

It is argued that how societies remember the past should be a key element of social theory. The social sciences should direct attention to time, tradition, and memory. Some implications of developing such notions for heritage are examined. In particular, it is suggested that the implications of heritage are ambiguous and contradictory, especially in the light of arguments about ‘travelling cultures’ and ‘detraditionalization.’ The social practices involved in ‘reminiscence’ are briefly elaborated.