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Exerting influence? Responsibility and the public role of archaeology in divided societies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 June 2013

Audrey Horning
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Abstract

Can, or should, archaeologists adopt the mantle of the public intellectual and bring archaeology to bear on contemporary issues within divided societies? The line between the archaeologist and the citizen is never clear-cut. How do we balance the recognition that our knowledge and expertise allow us to exert influence with the necessity to act as responsible members of our own societies? I define a public intellectual as one who is not afraid to step outside professional circles and comfort zones and to engage, challenge and comment on issues of broad relevance in the present. Employing Northern Ireland as a case study, I argue that archaeologists have a responsibility to provide leadership and commentary regarding the fraught relationship between past and present.

Keywords

Northern IrelandTroublesauthoritycontested pastconflictdivided societypublic engagementUlster Scotsidentity
Type
Discussion
Information
Archaeological Dialogues , Volume 20 , Issue 1 , June 2013 , pp. 19 - 29
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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