Contemporary Museums: Tension between Universalist and Communitarian Approaches

Contemporary debates surrounding museums focus on their social function and the participation of inhabitants and the public. A generational angle is essential, as the representations of tensions between Universalist and Communitarian approaches vary across countries. This collective work studies the values, actions, and discourses advocated for participating in processes related to heritage elements, particularly in the context of decolonization policies. It analyzes the power tensions between various groups of actors, including politicians, managers, scientists, visitors, and representatives of local or diasporic populations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: ISTE Ltd and John Wiley & Sons Inc

The social function of museums is a subject of intense debate, with questions surrounding museum activities and the participation of both inhabitants and the public. In 2019, these issues were the focus of heated discussions at the 34th General Assembly of ICOM in Kyoto, which aimed to propose a new definition of the museum. The representations of the tensions between Universalist and Communitarian approaches are influenced by historical and socio-political contexts, making it anachronistic to defend a simplistic dichotomy.

This collective work examines the values, actions, and discourses advocated for participating in processes related to the collection, selection, conservation, and interpretation of heritage elements linked to territories, resources, knowledge, and know-how of various communities. It also analyzes the power tensions and asymmetries between various groups of actors, particularly in the context of decolonization policies of museums.

The social function of museums is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. By studying the values, actions, and discourses of stakeholders involved in museum processes, we can better understand the role of museums in shaping our understanding of the world and promoting social justice and cultural diversity.

Weight: 658g
ISBN-13: 9781786307453