Abstract
The paper discusses the implications of the different imperatives and undertakings of policy makers and academic researchers around understanding and measuring heritage contribution to wellbeing. It ultimately aims at proposing ways for alignment of research aims and outputs between the two arenas. To do that, it positions the discourse around well-being in both arenas within a wider theoretical framework, considering how intrinsic and instrumental values of cultural heritage are operationalised. It unpacks the different
definitions of well-being that have been analysed in recent research within heritage studies and the relevant approaches to measurement of well-being outcomes and the types of heritage assets linked with those. Utilising discourse analysis of recent UK policy papers and grey literature, the paper will shed light on how the narratives on heritage and well-being have been evolved during the last decade, and how they have been critically shaped through a parallel discourse on arts and museum sector. Emerging challenges specific for heritage sector like the lack of understanding of place-related effects on well-being are under focus. Finally the paper provides a critical overview of those intersecting discourses and suggest a set of steps for diminishing the gap between policy needs and academic research foci, through embracing a wider sets of analytical tools. The research is based on the literature review of the recent PHD thesis of the author, on developing a framework for evaluating social impacts of heritage participation, focusing on participants perceived impacts from set of heritage participatory projects, realised within NLHF funding.
definitions of well-being that have been analysed in recent research within heritage studies and the relevant approaches to measurement of well-being outcomes and the types of heritage assets linked with those. Utilising discourse analysis of recent UK policy papers and grey literature, the paper will shed light on how the narratives on heritage and well-being have been evolved during the last decade, and how they have been critically shaped through a parallel discourse on arts and museum sector. Emerging challenges specific for heritage sector like the lack of understanding of place-related effects on well-being are under focus. Finally the paper provides a critical overview of those intersecting discourses and suggest a set of steps for diminishing the gap between policy needs and academic research foci, through embracing a wider sets of analytical tools. The research is based on the literature review of the recent PHD thesis of the author, on developing a framework for evaluating social impacts of heritage participation, focusing on participants perceived impacts from set of heritage participatory projects, realised within NLHF funding.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 23 Aug 2020 |
Event | 5th Association of Critical Heritage Studies Biennial conference - London, United Kingdom Duration: 26 Aug 2020 → 30 Aug 2020 |
Conference
Conference | 5th Association of Critical Heritage Studies Biennial conference |
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Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | London |
Period | 26/08/20 → 30/08/20 |
Keywords
- heritage studies
- policy makers
- academic research