Participating in the Past: Diversity, Social Inclusion, and New Audiences

in

6.3 Diversity, Social Inclusion, and New Audiences

Archaeology has not been very successful in engaging the interest, or support, of new cultural and ethnic groupings in the United Kingdom. The discipline is still perceived to be predominantly a white middle-class domain and ‘monuments’ are seen as alien. Museums often do not reflect in their displays the cultural diversity of their present day communities. There is plenty of scope for positive action in engaging with new groups, and in determining what heritage issue are of local concern to them.

All archaeological organisations have a role to play here, but perhaps local societies who are often those most closely in touch with local communities have particularly good opportunities. It has also been noted, as a larger issue, that the employment of black, Asian and disabled groups in archaeological organisations does not reflect the distribution of these groups in the community as a whole.

  • Recommendation 3: That a series of regional meetings be initiated by the CBA in conjunction with the Regional Historic Environment fora and the Black Environment Network (BEN) to stimulate debate on outreach in this area and to develop good practice guidelines.