THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION IN SINGAPORE'S COLLECTIVE MEMORY

Abstract

The objective of this exploratory study is to extend Maurice Halbwach's postulations in The Collective Memory (1950) by showing the relationship between memory and the social structure to be one of interdependence. Halbwachs argues that memory is not a cognitive process independent from the influence of social structure. The structure and its intermediaries provides the buttress, reference points, constituents and medium for remembrance to occur. This academic exercise illustrate the interdependence between memory and the collective body by stating the motivations behind the intermediaries' support for certain memories within the social structure. The Japanese Occupation in Singapore is used as a case study lo explicate this theoretical approach to collective memory. It is germane to wrestle with the pertinent sociological concern - the relationship between the individual and the social structure in order to grasp the dynamics of collective memory. The layout of this academic exercise is as follows. Chapter 1 elucidates the conceptual and theoretical framework of this research. Chapter 2 identifies the salient characteristics in people's recollections of the occupation. Chapter 3 takes the first step towards showing this interdependence between social actors and memory. It displays the nexus between Karl Mannheim concept of sociological generation and Halbwachs's collective memory. Chapter 4 elicits the political memory of the Occupation and the states interest in supporting a particular collective memory. Chapter 5 investigates the effects of a confluence between political and collective memory. Chapter 6 Concludes the exploratory exercise by breaking away from the earlier structural approach and returning to examine the individual's autonomy in remembrance. The richness of the data gathered has also generated substantive work to be found in the appendices, including a textual analysis of a ministerial speech. A holistic coverage of collective memory without trivializing the intricacies of its relation with the social edifice. However, this attempt has resulted in the researcher addressing several substantive issues at one time. This researcher is aware of the aware of this academic exercise in taking on such a huge task within the constraints of limited time, contacts and resources. But this researcher is satisfied that the research experience has not been in vain.