ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Do museums heal wounds or perpetuate pain? Perceived implications for post-conflict peace-building in a Southeast Asian country
1
Independent Researcher, Dasmariñas, Philippines
Submission date: 2025-05-28
Acceptance date: 2025-10-02
Publication date: 2025-11-24
Rozprawy Społeczne/Social Dissertations 2025;19(1):292-309
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Abstract: This study explores how the Public perceives historical narratives, particularly
in relation to politics, generational differences, and trust in institutions such as museums. Material and methods: A descriptive-concurrent mixed methods approach was employed,
involving a survey and interviews with 381 respondents. Results: Findings reveal that while museums are generally regarded as representations of
truth, a significant portion of museum visitors (37%) remain skeptical, often prioritizing
oral histories from family and social circles over official accounts. This skepticism is largely
influenced by the intersection of history and politics, where historical events are used as
tools for political discourse, further polarizing public opinion. The study also highlights that
younger generations, especially Gen Z, exhibit stronger emotional responses to historical
conflicts, while older generations, including Gen X and Baby Boomers, remain divided
between pain and openness to reconciliation. Surprisingly, differences in perspective were
not found to be significant based on sexuality and social class, suggesting that historical
trauma is widely shared across demographics. Conclusions: he f indings s uggest t he n eed f or m ultiperspective h istorical e ducation,
enhanced media literacy, and community-based historical documentation to address
biases and promote a more reconciliatory approach to history. By fostering open dialogue
and ensuring transparency in historical representation, society can move toward a more
unified understanding of the past, mitigating historical resentment and reducing political
polarization.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This research was presented at the 2024 International Seminar on Heritage Interpretation and Presentation for Future Generations, held at the Lecture Theatre, Bush House, King’s College London, United Kingdom. The seminar was organized and fully sponsored by the Institute of International Studies of Seoul National University, King’s College London (KCL), the International Scientific Committee on Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites (ICOMOS-ICIP), and Our World Heritage. Additionally, this study was accepted for a poster presentation at the ICME 2024 Annual Conference, “Museums and Change 2024- Convergence of Voices: A Global Dialogue on Stewardship, Custodianship, and Service”, hosted at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, Mexico.
The author extends his gratitude to the organizing committees of these conferences for fostering an international platform for knowledge exchange. Special thanks are given to Mr. Sungho Lee and Dr. Jihon Kim of the International Seminar on Heritage Interpretation and Presentation for Future Generations, for their invaluable support, which contributed to the successful presentation of this study.
Furthermore, the author's perseverance in pursuing continuous professional development and promoting knowledge advancement through research are driven by the unwavering support and love of Dr. Ricardo Apolinario Wagan, first university president of Laguna State Polytechnic University, former chairman of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (Region IV-A and B), the longest-serving State University and College President in Philippine history, and his beloved grandfather, who passed away on April 8, 2025. This work is respectfully dedicated to his enduring legacy.
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