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| Id | 146 | |
| Author | Sandell, R., | |
| Title | Social inclusion, the museum and the dynamics of sectoral change. | |
| Reference | Sandell, R. (2003). Social inclusion, the museum and the dynamics of sectoral change. Museum & Society, 1(1): 45-62. |
Link to article | https://journals.le.ac.uk/ojs1/index.php/mas/article/view/13/53 |
| Abstract | In the last two years, the term social inclusion has been widely adopted, though frequently misapplied, within UK museum sector policy and rhetoric. Originally understood by many to be simply a synonym for access or audience development, (concepts that most within the
sector are at least familiar, if not entirely comfortable, with), there is now growing recognition that the challenges presented by the inclusion agenda are, in fact, much more significant and the implications more fundamental and far-reaching. A growing body of research into the
social role and impact of museums suggests that engagement with the concepts of social inclusion and exclusion will require museums - and the profession and sector as a whole - to radically rethink their purposes and goals and to renegotiate their relationship to, and role within, society. In short, if museums are to become effective agents for social inclusion, a paradigmatic shift in the purpose and role of museums in society, and concomitant changes
in working practices, will be required.
Though the focus of this paper, the instigation of change, draws upon government policy development and research within the UK context, a consideration of the relevance of
the concept of social inclusion to the museum highlights the broader, international relevance of this discussion. |
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| At an individual or personal level, engagement with museums can deliver positive outcomes such as enhanced self-esteem, confidence and creativity. . | However, more recently, research into the origins of the concept and its applicability to the cultural sector has contributed to an enhanced understanding of the change imperatives that the social inclusion agenda brings with it. . | Recent research suggests that museums can contribute towards social inclusion at individual, community and societal levels. . | At a community level, museums can act as a catalyst for social regeneration, empowering communities to increase their self-determination and develop the confidence and skills to take greater control over their lives and the development of the neighbourhoods in which they live. . | What are the characteristics held by those museums that have successfully engaged with issues of social inclusion and how can these be developed and built upon throughout the sector? . | For some inclusion initiatives, museums will require staff who hold an in-depth understanding of diverse potential audiences and who are aware of networks that will provide routes into the community. . | Lastly, museums, through the representation of inclusive communities within collections and displays, have the potential to promote tolerance, inter-community respect and to challenge stereotypes. . | Social Inclusion and the Emergence of Associated Change Imperatives Demands for increased accessibility and a desire to broaden museums visitor profiles have preoccupied the sector for many years. . | Central to these questions is the need for a paradigmatic shift in attitudes within the sector; a mind-set change that is open to radically different roles and responsibilities for museums as well as new relationships with audiences. . | These differences are significant in explaining the cultural sectors interest in, and engagement with, social inclusion. . | As agents of individual, community and societal change, museums have demonstrated their potential to contribute towards the combating of issues such as poor health, high crime, low educational attainment and unemployment. . | Staff training and development, that will develop amongst all museum workers both an ethos of social responsibility and the tools, skills and knowledge to begin to work in an effective way, is needed to help to effect wider change. . | The Registration Scheme is designed to act as both a minimum standards scheme and also a means through which museums can be encouraged, through advice and guidance from Area Museums Councils and Resource, to improve in all areas of practice, beyond the minimum requirements necessary to achieve registered museum status. . | Much of the impetus for the development of projects aimed at social inclusion has come out of education and outreach teams. . |
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