The psychological benefits of collective narratives

Honoring and sharing historical stories transmits a sense of belonging. Recent research points to how inducing a strong sense of belonging (whether through story or something else) within a social group offers a simple, psychological intervention for enhancing purpose in life (e.g., Lambert et al., Reference Lambert, Stillman, Hicks, Kamble, Baumeister and Fincham2013). It is wonderful that some of the population can feel part of a long-lasting, potent legacy. From what we know about purpose, people connecting with a story feel more empowered, more goal-driven, and show greater perseverance when confronted with obstacles (Kashdan, Goodman, McKnight, Brown, & Rum, Reference Kashdan, Goodman, McKnight, Brown and Rum2024).

Group members whose personal identity aligns with the group's beliefs, values, and standards typically gain the strongest sense of belonging from these historical narratives (e.g., Livingstone & Haslam, Reference Livingstone and Haslam2008). Those who fall outside that identity often lacked power or influence during the narrative formation. Benefits abound for the ingroup members but at some cost to individual members.

Who and what is excluded by collective narratives

Collective narratives, while serving as a powerful binding force within societies (e.g., Bliuc & Chidley, Reference Bliuc and Chidley2022), can inadvertently stifle individuality and creativity – creating a homogenized culture that discourages dissent and alternative perspectives. A reliance on shared stories and histories may lead to the marginalization of outgroups and even ingroup members who dare to think differently (Marques & Paez, Reference Marques and Paez1994), ultimately fostering an environment of exclusion rather than inclusion. Moreover, these narratives can prematurely dictate identities, particularly for youth still in the process of personality development.

An emphasis on the ingroup's positive features, as reflected through stories from the past, feels good. A sense of pride from shared stories serves as a binding moral foundation (e.g., Graham et al., Reference Graham, Haidt, Koleva, Motyl, Iyer, Wojcik and Ditto2013) – associated with being less open to change (Feldman, Reference Feldman2021), lower creative self-beliefs (Kapoor & Kaufman, Reference Kapoor and Kaufman2022), and poorer creative performance (Kapoor, Mahadeshwar, Rezaei, Reiter-Palmon, & Kaufman, Reference Kapoor, Mahadeshwar, Rezaei, Reiter-Palmon and Kaufmanin press). Those who feel good, even psychologically satisfied by what one's ancestors accomplished, might suffer in planning and foresight.

Collective narratives often glorify the heroic feats of the dominant majority culture, leaving those on the fringes overlooked. Research shows that those who feel stronger ties to those binding features of the dominant majority culture are also more likely to be homophobic (Barnett, Öz, & Marsden, Reference Barnett, Öz and Marsden2018), skeptical of racial injustice (Goff, Silver, & Iceland, Reference Goff, Silver and Iceland2022), and biased against immigrants (Lasala Blanco et al., Reference Lasala Blanco, Shapiro and Wilke2021). These results suggest that those who feel the most included are the most exclusionary to the marginalized (for whatever reason). Consequently, these marginalized individuals may not share the same sense of pride or any positive reaction to stories of legendary triumphs.

The subsequent costs of these feelings of exclusion impact the entire group, not just the marginalized. Those who can identify with the majority culture and history have the luxury of not needing to take risks and innovate. Yet those without the privilege of a most-favored status must stay flexible and open. They cannot be intolerant of ambiguity or need too much structure or closure. To survive lower-resourced environments, they need to be curious and use their imagination (Kaufman & Glăveanu, Reference Kaufman and Glăveanu2022). In a world where many minority groups may show deficits in measures of achievement developed by the dominant culture, creative ability is consistently an equalizer in most high stakes assessment situations (Luria, O'Brien, & Kaufman, Reference Luria, O'Brien and Kaufman2016); creative self-beliefs may be a specific strength in underrepresented groups (Kaufman, Reference Kaufman2010). Ethnic and cultural minority diversity in group composition has been shown to enhance overall creativity and innovation (Hundschell, Razinskas, Backmann, & Hoegl, Reference Hundschell, Razinskas, Backmann and Hoegl2022). When people in a group disagree (Nemeth, Reference Nemeth1986), ideas converge only if both parties are part of the majority. When the dissent comes from minority voices (and is persistent), however, more discussion and thought takes place (Kashdan, Reference Kashdan2022). As a result, a diverse group that is willing to put in the effort will see its creativity notably increase (Van Dyne & Saavedra, Reference Van Dyne and Saavedra1996). In contrast, a homogenous group that is too focused on the past may leave its most glorious accomplishments in the rear view mirror.

Mastering the art of storytelling

Sijilmassi et al. left out important positive and negative consequences of shared historical myths. Additionally, there is much to be said about how stories can be intentionally revised to maximize benefits and minimize harm. Better storytelling, we argue, comes with greater responsiveness to individual differences. Innovation in groups often springs from someone questioning unhealthy societal norms that require change. Healthy, enduring groups capitalize on complementary strengths for shared aims; the risk-takers hunt for growth opportunities while the cautious watch for threats. Telling and sharing stories from varied perspectives allow more people to see themselves as part of the larger group, fostering both individuality and unity.

The cost of collective narratives can range from minimal to immense: The potential for innovation is curtailed, diversity of thought is suppressed, and the richness of individual experiences is overlooked. As we navigate our shared future, it is crucial to recognize the value of individual and underrepresented narratives within the collective, fostering a society that encourages the exploration of varied identities.