Detroit Area Study, 1991: Collective Memories

For this survey, respondents were asked to consider key
historical national and world events since 1930 and to describe the
impact of these events upon their lives and why these events seemed
especially important. The list of events respondents were queried
about included the invention of the television, the decline of
communism in eastern Europe, the Korean War, the Great Depression, the
civil rights movement, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy,
space exploration, terrorism and hostage-taking, and the threat of
nuclear war. Those queried were also asked about events or changes
that were especially poignant to them and whether they kept
memorabilia from the past, such as items from World War II, the
Holocaust, or the Vietnam War. Specific questions on the events of
World War II were included in the survey. Respondents also answered
questions regarding events or changes related to their own interests,
such as religion, sports, music, television, and films. Background
information includes religion, marital status, education, employment,
political orientation, and income.