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Event Description
Summary
Why are you compiling your family tree? What are the psychological explanations? Are you searching for who your ancestors were, or who you are?
Abstract
Family history research and compiling pedigrees was historically needed for landed gentry, but is now a popular hobby. Why the sudden interest? This session will look at psychological explanations as to why we are interested in our family tree and our ancestors’ pasts. We will look at the psychology of contextualising ourselves, tribal territoriality, kinship, experiencing genealogical voids from separation, the notion of homelands, romanticised heritages, cultural dejavu, race memory, and inherited trauma. How do we develop an apparently seamless narrative based on fragmented information we have gleaned from various sources? Why do we eagerly research ancestors we share so little DNA with, and feel less connection to 2nd cousins? Has social media made us lonely, and we hoard people? How many people do you interact with on your tree? Does your personality influence your interest in compiling your family tree? Is it all a type of jigsaw puzzle connecting these people? Are we searching for who they were, or who we are?
- Duration: 60 mins
- Online Zoom event: Join from your computer, phone or tablet (a recording will be available)
Meet the Host, Dr Penny Walters
Dr. Penny Walters has been a University lecturer for 35 years, currently teaching Masters’ Business studies at Bath Spa University, England, and previously Psychology and Ethics. Penny's interest in genealogy started after having her first baby and then wondering about her biological parents, as she was adopted. Penny has six mixed race children, who have all enjoyed discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results. Penny lectures internationally in-person, writes articles, and is sought after for a wide range of webinar topics. Penny has authored the books: 'Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy' (2019) and ‘The Psychology of Searching’ (2020), available on Amazon in paperback or on kindle www.searchmypast.co.uk
Preparing for the Event
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Resources
The Psychology of Searching has supplementary learning materials provided by the event host. Once you book an event, you will get access to these resources.
More Information
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