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Information alone might not be enough: The limited impact of exposure to factual information about historical atrocities

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  • Turkoglu, Oguzhan
  • Firestone, Berenike
  • Čehajić-Clancy, Sabina
  • Ditlmann, Ruth K.

Abstract

Informing people about historical atrocities and injustice is considered critical for sustaining democracies and preventing similar atrocities in the future. Yet, what remains unknown is whether exposure to factual information about ingroups' historical injustices, such as genocide, slavery, or colonial crimes, leads to increased willingness to address those injustices? In the first study to systematically assess the impact of such exposure in five countries (Canada, France, Germany, Spain, United States), using large samples (n> 1500 per country) and a comprehensive battery of outcomes, we find limited impact of exposure to factual information. Participants in the experimental condition reported increased acknowledgment of the injustice and intentions to dismantle it in some but not all countries. Across all countries, we find that exposure led to self-reported learning, which predicted all measured outcomes. These findings suggest that whilst factual information is important, other ingredients are needed to facilitate broader dismantling of past injustice.

Suggested Citation

  • Turkoglu, Oguzhan & Firestone, Berenike & Čehajić-Clancy, Sabina & Ditlmann, Ruth K., 2025. "Information alone might not be enough: The limited impact of exposure to factual information about historical atrocities," Discussion Papers, Research Unit: Transformations of Democracy SP V 2025-503, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wzbtod:323590
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    1. Ditlmann, Ruth & Firestone, Berenike & Turkoglu, Oguzhan, 2025. "Participating in a Digital-History Project Mobilizes People for Symbolic Justice and Better Intergroup Relations Today," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 36(4), pages 249-264.
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