Museums and their communities /

Using case studies drawn from all areas of museum studies; history, anthropology and archaeology, 'Museums and their Communities' explores the museums as a site of representation, identity and memory, and considers how it can influence its community. Focusing on the museum as an institution, and its social and cultural setting, Sheila Watson examines how museums use their roles and informers and educators to empower, or ignore, communities. Looking at the current debates about the role of the museum, she considers contested values in museum functions and examines provision, power, ownership and responsibility and institutional issues. This book is of great relevance for all disciplines as it explores and questions the role of the museum in modern society.Includes bibliographical references and index.Using case studies drawn from all areas of museum studies; history, anthropology and archaeology, 'Museums and their Communities' explores the museums as a site of representation, identity and memory, and considers how it can influence its community. Focusing on the museum as an institution, and its social and cultural setting, Sheila Watson examines how museums use their roles and informers and educators to empower, or ignore, communities. Looking at the current debates about the role of the museum, she considers contested values in museum functions and examines provision, power, ownership and responsibility and institutional issues. This book is of great relevance for all disciplines as it explores and questions the role of the museum in modern society