Collective Memory Work – Who Is It For? Expanding its Relevance to all Women and Beyond.

Laya Hooshyari

In this presentation, I will focus on my experience with Collective Memory Work (CMW). Engaging with critical psychology and Marxist feminist texts—listening, discussing, and analysing abstract concepts—was overwhelming at first. But when I encountered CMW, it felt tangible, something that brought together key aspects of both critical psychology and Marxist feminist thought in a concrete way.

Eager to explore its potential, I began reading, practicing, and implementing CMW within my networks. In 2021, I was exhausted from working as a psychoanalyst for wealthy individuals while also working with poor women affected by cancer. Twice, we attempted to apply CMW in our work, but we failed—something was missing. It felt similar to my experience with psychoanalysis, which had also failed in this context.

This realization pushed me to rethink, critique, and adapt CMW in a way that could better serve poor people. In my presentation, I will delve deeper into this process—sharing not only my critiques but also my personal experiences.

At the heart of my inquiry are these questions:

Does CMW truly belong to all women? To all people? If so, why do some struggle to use it?

While acknowledging our differences is important, what about our shared experiences? How can we use CMW to strengthen solidarity while also keep our own differences?