Collective memory of pandemics

Abstract

Pandemics have rarely been studied by psychologists as an object of collective memory. Because they do not bear on national identities, pandemics are not nationally commemorated and quickly decay from public memory after they end. Yet interest in pandemic memories increased during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. A review of these recent studies suggests that there may be other social identities that are served by remembering pandemics, fulfilling the identity function of collective memories. Further, memories of past pandemics are often transmitted intergenerationally and used to direct action in current health crises. I suggest continued study of past pandemics with a focus on which identities are supported by remembering pandemics and what lessons these memories provide for responding to new challenges.