Living Memories: The Impact of GDR Reminiscences on Political Identity in Reunified Germany

This thesis explores the multifaceted dynamics of memory with particular focus on East Germany’s autobiographical memories, and their implications in political identity in post-reunification Germany. Grounded in a comprehensive theoretical framework, the research investigates the enduring influence of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) on the nation's political landscape. Through a multidisciplinary approach, including historical analysis, sociopolitical examination, and electoral studies, the thesis delves into the intricate interplay between autobiographical memory and political identity, highlighting the nuanced relationship between personal narratives and political conduct. In addition, it aims to explain the transmission of GDR's autobiographical memories from different aspects by separately examining the factors such as material culture, family, film and museum, which play a key role in memory transmission. At the end, focusing on the emergence of The Left (Die Linke) and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as prominent political entities rooted in East Germany's historical context, the study shed light on the complexities of left-wing and right-wing populism, tracing their evolution and impact on contemporary political preferences. Analyzing electoral landscapes, demographic shifts, and ideological alignments within Die Linke and the AfD provides valuable insights into voter preferences and populist appeal. Ultimately, the thesis synthesizes key findings to underscore the enduring legacy of the GDR reminiscences in shaping contemporary political behavior, offering a nuanced understanding of the negotiation of political identity in unified Germany and the complex interplay between historical consciousness and contemporary political dynamics.

This thesis investigates the transmission of memories related to the German Democratic Republic (GDR) across generations and explores the resulting implications for political identity in contemporary Germany. The study is framed within the broader context of memory studies, with a particular focus on autobiographical memory, and incorporates elements from transition theory, examining how memories are transmitted over time. The concept of Ostalgie, or nostalgia for the East, is explored within the German context. The research employs a documentary research method to delve into the multifaceted aspects of memory transmission. The first chapter provides an introduction, laying out the background, context, research problem, objectives, questions, methodology, and overall structure of the thesis. The second chapter comprises a literature review and theoretical framework, encompassing memory studies, the memory phenomenon, and political identity and memory politics in Germany, with a specific focus on Ostalgie. The third chapter delves into the transmission of GDR memories across generations, considering the role of family, films, and museums, with an additional exploration of the impact of material culture on memory transmission. The fourth chapter investigates the implications of GDR memories on political identity, examining the relationship between political identity and memory, the influence of memory on political behavior, and a detailed exploration of left and right-wing populism through Die Linke and AfD. Throughout the thesis, a comprehensive analysis is provided, shedding light on the intricate interplay between memories of the GDR and their enduring impact on the political landscape in contemporary Germany.