Historical narratives and civic subjectification in post-conflict times

Abstract

This literature review seeks to answer the question: What is the role of historical narratives in constructing the post-conflict citizen? The author explores some of the sociopolitical implications of telling a particular narrative as a tool for making sense of the past, the present, and the future, as well as a key element in the subjectification of the post-conflict citizenry. This is, the creation of new subjectivities, roles, expectations, and codes of conduct consistent with the goal of national reconstruction. The author delves into three main areas: 1) the normative post-conflict citizen 2) the different types of historical narratives and their deployment for citizenship formation 3) youth’s engagement and responses to historical narratives and civic subjectification. Conclusions point to some of the challenges and opportunities that Colombia –as one of the most recent cases of political transition– might face in relation to historical narratives, post-conflict citizenship, and peacebuilding efforts.