National narratives of spanish and portuguese students

Abstract

This study aims at understanding how the master narratives conveyed by the national accounts given by 14 to 18-year-old Spanish and Portuguese students converge or differ from one another and how they relate to national identity and temporal orientation. Data analysis was carried out in a qualitative approach inspired by Grounded Theory. The results suggest a parallel but conceptually convergent schematic template focused on initial conquests, a golden period of maritime discoveries, and a recent dictatorship overcome by the restoration of democracy. Some particularities of students’ accounts linked to specific historical situations in each country, as well as diversified attitudes of the young people toward “their” nation-states are also discussed.