Political scientist Alana Castro de Azevedo researched the conflicts surrounding Holocaust and slavery monuments in Amsterdam, Lisbon, and London. She discovered that for many communities, monuments are often more than just symbols of the past. They are linked to deeply ingrained moral and cultural values, which makes these monuments practically inviolable. Finding a compromise, such as making adjustments, is therefore almost impossible.
In her research, Castro de Azevedo highlights the limitations of traditional participation methods currently used to implement changes. In increasingly diverse societies shaped by migration, aging populations, and cultural differences, it becomes more difficult to involve everyone in decisions about these memorials. "When certain groups feel excluded, tensions rise. This can lead to a sense of injustice and reinforces polarization within society."
Inclusive decision-making as a solution
Castro de Azevedo advocates for inclusive decision-making, where various communities are actively involved. This helps to better understand the complexities of the histories behind memorials and promotes respectful dialogue. By acknowledging the sacred values attached to monuments, conflicts can be reduced, and memorials can reflect shared values without ignoring the feelings of other groups.
Castro de Azevedo's findings offer valuable lessons for policymakers and heritage planners. By taking sacred values seriously in the monument planning process, they can contribute to a constructive dialogue. "This helps create memorials that both honor the past and reflect the diversity of today’s society, strengthening social cohesion and shared memory."
On January 14, Alana Castro de Azevedo will defend her thesis.
Photo: Edouard Tamba