Memory, Folk Narratives, and Social Critique: Notes on Jane Addams and the “Devil Baby” Legend
In: Journal of the Philosophy of HistorySearch for other papers by Tullio Viola in
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Abstract
The article focuses on the link between memory, folk narratives, and critical thinking. I suggest in particular that there are instances in which the transmission of a folkloric story, such as a legend or a tale, can intersect with a person’s life experiences and facilitate the articulation of critical perspectives on society that might otherwise go unexpressed. The opportunity for discussing this idea is offered by the work of early twentieth-century Chicago sociologist Jane Addams. In her book The Long Road of Woman’s Memory (1916) Addams dealt with the modern revival of an ancient legend and investigated its interplay with the recollections, grievances, and aspirations of working-class women.
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Memory, Folk Narratives, and Social Critique: Notes on Jane Addams and the “Devil Baby” Legend
In: Journal of the Philosophy of HistorySearch for other papers by Tullio Viola in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
The article focuses on the link between memory, folk narratives, and critical thinking. I suggest in particular that there are instances in which the transmission of a folkloric story, such as a legend or a tale, can intersect with a person’s life experiences and facilitate the articulation of critical perspectives on society that might otherwise go unexpressed. The opportunity for discussing this idea is offered by the work of early twentieth-century Chicago sociologist Jane Addams. In her book The Long Road of Woman’s Memory (1916) Addams dealt with the modern revival of an ancient legend and investigated its interplay with the recollections, grievances, and aspirations of working-class women.
| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 466 | 224 | 21 |
| Full Text Views | 166 | 15 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 324 | 49 | 0 |