Historical memory as a resource for consolidation of society: problems and prospects of research

Relevance. The advancement of the problem of historical memory to the register of topical objects of social science is mainly due to the challenges of modernity. Today, historical memory is a factor that determines the nature of collective ideas about the past, the assessment of current events and the vision of the strategy for the future development of society. The research direction of memory studies is becoming increasingly popular, which actualizes the value of analyzing the mechanisms of the formation of collective memory and the features of its influence on the development of social relations, processes, and values. The purpose of the work is to substantiate the mechanism of constructive influence of historical memory on consolidation of society. Objectives: to analyze the content of the category "historical memory"; to determine its role in strengthening social consolidation and identity in the context of global changes. Methodology. The methodological basis of the article is: a systemic method that allows identifying the functional features of historical memory in modern Russian society; analysis and synthesis - to identify the essence and specificity of historical memory; theoretical generalization - to summarize the results of the study. Results. The theoretical substantiation of the category of historical memory, its place in the structure of collective memory, the mechanisms of its formation and factors contributing to the processes of memorization and forgetting, on the basis of which the socio-political processes of the formation of historical memory occur, are carried out. Conclusions. Historical memory plays one of the leading roles in the process of consolidation of society, ensures its existence and functioning, as well as the ability to communicate. Awareness of the common past, involvement in it creates empathy between members of society, makes the existence of the state possible, consolidates actions for the sake of the future. It is shown that historical memory includes not only achievements and victories, but also tragedies of the history of society. Recognition and understanding of collective trauma can contribute to the holistic restoration of society and the prevention of repetition of past mistakes.