Understanding the politics of heritage / edited by Rodney Harrison.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Harrison, Rodney, 1974-

Series:

Understanding global heritage

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cultural property--Protection--Political aspects.

Cultural property.

Cultural property--Protection--Political aspects--Case studies.

Cultural property--Protection.

Genre:

Case studies.

Physical Description:

xvi, 336 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Manchester : Manchester University Press, [2010]

Summary:

Events ranging from the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by the government of South Africa to the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan by the Taliban have much to say about heritage - that heritage may be less about upholding truth or authenticity, and more about delivering political objectives.

This book questions the view within most western societies that heritage is necessarily 'good', and uncovers the ways in which heritage embodies relationships of power and subjugation, inclusion and exclusion, remembering and forgetting. It considers who is represented by heritage and who heritage has neglected to mention. Heritage is shown to be both a versatile concept and a powerful tool, for the ownership of heritage objects, places and practices can bestow political power as well as stimulate political struggle.

The book's principal focus is the relationship between heritage, globalisation, nationalism and grass roots heritage movements. International case studies are used to illustrate the ways in which the politics of the past are mediated in the present, including how notions of identity, social class and nationhood may be woven into the provision of official heritage. The book highlights the influence of the World Heritage Convention and World Heritage List on heritage management in various global societies.

Aimed at students in heritage studies and professionals in heritage industries, this book is one of three in the Understanding Global Heritage series.

Contents:

1 What is heritage? / Rodney Harrison 5

2 Critical approaches to heritage / Rodney Harrison, Audrey Linkman 43

3 Heritage as a tool of government / Anne Laurence 81

4 World Heritage / Ian Donnachie 115

5 The politics of heritage / Rodney Harrison 154

6 Heritage and nationalism / Richard Allen 197

7 Heritage, colonialism and postcolonialism / Rodney Harrison, Lotte Hughes 234

8 Heritage and class / Susie West 270.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780719081521

0719081521

OCLC:

430839564