Understanding the public experience of archaeology in the UK and Italy: a call for a 'sociological movement' in Public Archaeology

Citation

Bonacchi C (2014) Understanding the public experience of archaeology in the UK and Italy: a call for a 'sociological movement' in Public Archaeology. European Journal of Post-Classical Archaeologies, 4, pp. 377-400. http://www.postclassical.it/PCA_vol.4_files/PCA%204_Bonacchi.pdf

Abstract
Despite the continuing growth of Public Archaeology as a field of studies, the composition and behaviour of the 'public' for archaeology are still heavily under-investigated. This paper addresses the neglected area of archaeological audiences and offers insights into the public's experience of archaeology in the UK and Italy, focussing on museums and television and using a primarily quantitative and case study-based approach. Conclusions provide evidence and suggest aims, theory and methods for the start of a 'sociological movement' in Public Archaeology.

Keywords
Italy; UK; public archaeology; public attitudes and behaviour; social research methods; media experiences of archaeology; learning; archaeological communication

Journal
European Journal of Post-Classical Archaeologies: Volume 4