Events

The challenge of comparison in Holocaust Studies. Concepts, methods, arguments

Even though the Holocaust was a mass crime encompassing at least sixteen countries across Europe, comparative studies on the conditions of survival and rescue are scarce. In light of the extremely different survival rates among local Jewish communities the lack of analyses that systematically explore the significance of surrounding societies as well as notions of community and citizenship in these countries is particularly striking. At the same time, the growing relevance of an understanding of the Holocaust as a regionally, nationally and transnationally unfolding social process along with the notable rise in micro-level studies of specific communities make a concerted effort to bring together and analytically link these various contexts in a more systematic way as relevant as attainable.

The workshop brings together research projects that focus on the Holocaust – or, rather particular aspects of it – in a comparative perspective, each addressing at least two countries. We will discuss mainly current works-in-progress, conceptual and methodological challenges as well as arguments, narratives and limitations stemming from such comparative approaches.

 

Please register to participate via Zoom: team-zeitgeschichte@uni-bielefeld.de