Multi-perspectivity and the risk of perpetration minimisation in Dutch Holocaust and slavery education

The Dutch perpetrated in both the Holocaust and chattel slavery. However, Dutch cultural memory does not significantly recognize Dutch perpetration in these sensitive histories. This article explores the interplay between cultural memory and history education as a potential explanation for this oversight, by specifically focusing on the implementation of multi-perspectivity. In Dutch history education, multi-perspectivity is valued, yet scholars have warned that it could contribute to minimization of perpetration. The deliberate choice of a qualitative research approach, as opposed to the more common textbook analysis, served to centre history teachers’ perspectives and allowed for a comprehensive analysis of their descriptions of multi-perspectivity in Holocaust and slavery education. This exploration further substantiated the concern regarding the risk of perpetration minimization. It reveals that history teachers predominantly approach multi-perspectivity in Holocaust and slavery education through teaching respectively historical empathy and positionality. Stimulating historical empathy and emphasizing positionality with pupils affect the presentation of historical distance and perpetration. Through these approaches teachers risk providing pupils with the understanding that everyone, including perpetrators, can be seen as victims of their historical circumstances, making it challenging to assign moral responsibility. To address this risk of perpetration minimization, this article explores underlying causes and offers recommendations.