Heritage Studies

Heritage studies examines how the past is selected, preserved, represented, and used in the present as cultural heritage.

Scope

It covers tangible and intangible heritage, memory and identity, heritage and power, and conservation and heritage policy.

Core questions

• How is heritage defined and selected?
• Whose past is preserved, and whose is excluded?
• How does heritage serve identity and power?
• How should heritage be conserved and managed?

Key concepts

• Tangible and intangible heritage
• Invention of tradition
• Cultural memory
• Authorized heritage discourse
• Conservation
• Heritage and identity

Key theories

The invention of tradition

Hobsbawm and Ranger showed many 'ancient' traditions are recent constructions serving present needs.

Authorized heritage discourse

Smith argued heritage is a present-day cultural process, dominated by expert 'authorized' discourse.

History

Heritage studies developed from the recognition that traditions are constructed (Hobsbawm & Ranger) to critical analysis of heritage as a present-centred process of power and identity (Smith).

Debates

Heritage as preservation or process

Whether heritage is about conserving objects or an active social process of meaning-making.

Key figures

• Eric Hobsbawm
• Terence Ranger
• Laurajane Smith

Seminal works

• hobsbawm-ranger-1983
• smith-2006

Frequently asked questions

What is the 'invention of tradition'?

Hobsbawm and Ranger's idea that many traditions presented as ancient are in fact recent inventions serving contemporary purposes.