About Heritage Studies - A Crisis of Representation

With origins in ‘Historic Preservation’, the study, interpretation and management of heritage has morphed over the decades, from a field concerned primarily with the interests of the elite, to the interests of the nation, to finally expanding its sphere of influence and advocacy to the reflect the concerns of the many. Likewise, its methodologies have shifted from the absolutely expertise of connoisseurship to participatory approaches that intend to capture and negotiate a variety of viewpoints and relationships to heritage places and things.

Yet, this transformation was not a natural or inevitable turn of events. Globally, various communities of connection – local, descendant, and indigenous communities, along with activists, and some scholars – have led the way with demands for institutions, systems and policies that take their needs and interests into account. Most recently, for example, protestors in the United States, Europe and Africa demanded the removal of statues and monuments associated with slavery, colonialism, apartheid, and white supremacy. Despite these changes, the field of heritage studies has, and continues to undergo, a long-standing and systemic crisis of representation globally. Structural inequality and a lack of diversity in academe and the other organizations associated with heritage, continue to be embedded in policy, reflected in the rule of professionals, ‘experts’, governmental agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and training programs, and perpetuated in approaches to heritage value. Ironically, traditions of representation in the field are obstacles to revisiting the representation of tradition.

Debates and initiatives concerned with diversifying the field have been scattered and unsustained. Some scholars and practitioners seek to find the best approaches to reform, by integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to heritage resources. Others, less so, seek to understand and reveal the mechanisms through which diverse views, voices, and knowledge are excluded in the work of heritage. Fewer still, attempt to resolve both of these concerns. However, this crisis of representation in heritage studies of the past, does not mean it has to be part of heritage studies of the future.

In this Collection, we invite authors to consider the various issues concerning representation within and around heritage studies. Authors can reflect on modern and historic examples, of representation in academic, museum and other public settings.

Contributions may include research articles, reviews, policy briefs, opinion pieces, case studies, and any of our other article types.

We welcome authors from Research4Life countries.

Keywords: heritage studies, museum studies, heritage ethics, heritage rights, heritage expertise, heritage management, diversity and inclusion

Any questions about this Collection? Please email editorial@routledgeopenresearch.org