16-17/11/2023 – Symposium zur Wiedergutmachung

Nicole Immler presented another victim-centered approach to reparation research by using oral history to explore the emotionality and perception of the descendants of second and third generation victims in relation to (not) experienced reparation. When considering transgenerational memory processes, the main thing is: A discrepancy between the perceptions of the applicants and politicians is clear – because where Austrian politicians primarily spoke of the success of reparations, the applicants reported in particular resistance from the authorities and a fight for recognition. It also shows that money and material compensation have primarily symbolic value; These are either interpreted as a form of recognition or are associated with a feeling of shame, which results from the victim’s perceived supplicant attitude. However, dialogue, encounters and resonance are usually more important than money as prerequisites for recognition. Following on from this, Immler emphasizes the need for a deconstruction of hierarchies within the discourse around the recognition of victim groups: Because the question of the positions of recognition and being recognized involves a subversive reproduction of the power relations between applicants and the representatives of the state. The transformative justice model offers a possible solution to this.

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