Collective biography symbolized by interconnected figures forming an object.

Beyond the Individual: How Collective Biographies Rewrite History

Rhea Morgan in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the shift from individual-centric narratives to collective biographies and their impact on understanding history and society, inspired by Sergei Tretiakov's vision."

Traditional biography often spotlights individual achievements, but a compelling shift has emerged, emphasizing collective experiences and the stories of objects. This approach redefines how we understand history, moving away from singular narratives to explore the interwoven lives and influences of groups. This article delves into the concept of collective biography, drawing inspiration from the theoretical work of Sergei Tretiakov and examining how this approach transforms our understanding of the past.

Sergei Tretiakov, a prominent figure in the Soviet Union during the 1920s and 30s, advocated for a new model of literary production that moved beyond individual heroism. He championed genres like reportage and ethnographic documentation, aiming to integrate academic research into literary works. His ideas radically altered the concept of biography, shifting the focus from the individual to the collective and from personal psychology to the broader sociology of productive relationships.

Tretiakov's vision called for a biography of the object rather than the individual. This meant examining the productive relationships and the often-overlooked protagonists in historical scenarios. This approach sought to uncover the hidden stories and the collective efforts that shape historical events. In essence, it was a call to rewrite history from a more inclusive and comprehensive perspective.

The Rise of Collective Biographies: A New Lens on History

Collective biography symbolized by interconnected figures forming an object.

Collective biographies offer a profound challenge to the traditional, individual-focused historical narratives. By spotlighting groups, movements, and even objects, these biographies reveal the interconnectedness of human experiences and the broader societal forces at play. This approach acknowledges that history is not solely shaped by the actions of a few prominent figures but by the collective efforts and interactions of many.

One striking example of Tretiakov’s approach is his ‘bio-interview’ with Chinese student Tan Shih-Hua. In this work, Tretiakov aimed to present an objective portrayal, minimizing his own influence on the narrative. He famously stated that he shaped the material 'without distortion,' highlighting his commitment to letting the subject’s experiences speak for themselves. This method reflects a broader goal of uncovering the utility (Nutzwert) of biographical accounts, focusing on their capacity to instigate action and reflect reality.

Shifting Focus: Collective biographies redirect attention from individual achievements to group dynamics and shared experiences.
Revealing Hidden Protagonists: This approach uncovers the stories of those who are often marginalized or overlooked in traditional histories.
Emphasizing Interconnectedness: Collective narratives highlight the complex relationships and societal forces that shape historical events.
Promoting Inclusivity: By including diverse voices and perspectives, collective biographies offer a more comprehensive and representative account of the past.

The shift towards collective biographies gained momentum in the Soviet Union during the early 20th century. This was partly influenced by the need to create a new model of literary production that aligned with socialist ideals. Literary forms such as reportage, ethnographic documentation, and bio-interviews became tools for writers to operate with facts and engage with ordinary people. The aim was to make literature more scientific and integrate academic findings into the creative process.

The Enduring Legacy of Collective Biographies

The ideas of Sergei Tretiakov and the broader movement towards collective biographies continue to resonate today. By challenging traditional historical narratives and emphasizing the importance of collective experiences, this approach provides a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the past. From the literary experiments of the early 20th century to contemporary explorations of social history, the legacy of collective biographies remains a vital force in shaping how we perceive and interpret the world around us.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

How do collective biographies differ from traditional biographies in their approach to historical narratives?

Collective biographies shift the historical narrative from focusing on individual achievements to emphasizing the dynamics and shared experiences of groups. This approach uncovers the contributions of those often marginalized or overlooked in traditional histories. By highlighting the complex relationships and societal forces, collective biographies promote a more inclusive and representative account of the past, revealing the interconnectedness of human experiences. Traditional biographies tend to focus on a single hero narrative and omit the socio economic situation, while Collective biography gives importance to that,

What literary forms did Sergei Tretiakov advocate for, and how did these forms contribute to the concept of collective biography?

Sergei Tretiakov advocated for genres like reportage and ethnographic documentation. These genres were aimed to integrate academic research into literary works and shift the focus from individual heroism to the collective. This approach sought to uncover the hidden stories and collective efforts that shape historical events, offering a more inclusive and comprehensive perspective. The focus moved away from personal psychology towards the broader sociology of productive relationships.

What was Sergei Tretiakov's methodology with Tan Shih-Hua?

Tretiakov's 'bio-interview' with Tan Shih-Hua aimed to present an objective portrayal by minimizing his own influence on the narrative. Tretiakov shaped the material 'without distortion,' highlighting his commitment to letting the subject’s experiences speak for themselves. This method reflects a broader goal of uncovering the utility of biographical accounts, focusing on their capacity to instigate action and reflect reality. The process underscored the importance of the narrator remaining neutral to convey the real scenario.

What socialist ideals influenced the rise of collective biographies in the Soviet Union during the early 20th century, and how did this affect literary production?

The rise of collective biographies in the Soviet Union during the early 20th century was influenced by the need to align literary production with socialist ideals. Literary forms such as reportage, ethnographic documentation, and bio-interviews became tools for writers to engage with ordinary people. The aim was to make literature more scientific and integrate academic findings into the creative process, moving away from the glorification of individual heroes towards a focus on collective achievements and societal progress.

In what ways do collective biographies provide a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the past, and why is this approach important for interpreting history?

Collective biographies challenge traditional historical narratives by spotlighting groups, movements, and even objects, revealing the interconnectedness of human experiences and societal forces. This approach acknowledges that history is not solely shaped by the actions of a few prominent figures but by the collective efforts and interactions of many. By including diverse voices and perspectives, collective biographies offer a more comprehensive and representative account of the past, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of historical events. They underscore the limitations of individual-centric narratives in capturing the full scope of historical processes.