The construction of memories in oral history. The case of the 'drunken docker'

The representation of port workers in oar society is dominated by its association with excessive alcohol consumption. In this article we analyze how the positions of the various actors in the narrative process have affected the historical construction of the drunken docker. At a methodological level it is emphasized that oral history is at the same height as other sources. The text opposes the use of transcripts, and advocates replacing mere sound recordings with video recordings. At the analytical level the importance is emphasized of considering the interview as a dynamic growth process between the interviewer(s) and the respondent(s). The case study shows how delicate memory construction can be. A number of port workers involved oppose the wording of this historic practice, but their attempts to exert pressure are unsuccessful. At the same time an even bigger problem is found unexpectedly. The popular imaging showed a huge influence and has affected the way in which the researcher has drawn the narrative representation.