Doing Memory Work in the Third Space Between Self and Community: An Auto-Ethnography

Author

salvador barajas, studentFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/H3DC-7H24

Defense Date

2014

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Media, Art, and Text

First Advisor

Elizabeth Hodges

Second Advisor

Laura Browder

Third Advisor

Paul Thulin

Fourth Advisor

John Kneebone

Abstract

This thesis explores social memory, migration, place and belonging and cultural citizenship in Pulaski, Virginia, after the North American Free Trade Agreement (1994). Through the lens of autoethnography, a participant-researcher model, I look closely at the affects that globalization has had on the economic and cultural life of this semi-rural community. The Autoethnographic approach has allowed me to reflect on my role as the co-author of oral and written narratives, a communal archive of historical images and a collection of collaborative photography. The impact of this thesis is, in part, a deeper understanding of collective social memory and the research we do on this subject exists in the border space between the self and community. As such, participant based modes of inquiry can help us help address the needs of academic institutions and expectation of community partners with a greater degree of success.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

12-12-2014