Article contents
Beyond the pendulum model in rethinking the archaeology of Europe
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 June 2008
Extract
In his review of recent trends in archaeology, Kristiansen argues that the changes in broad trends in cultural heritage management parallel profound changes in archaeological theory under the banner of postprocessualism. He also argues that one can conceptualize these changes through a pendulum model that swings between rationalism and romanticism, the former favouring generalized interpretations, the latter favouring local and national histories. For Kristiansen the problem lies in the emphasis on local and national frameworks for interpretation promoted by postmodernism and postprocessualism that prevents archaeologists from asking broader questions. Moreover, he claims, ‘the humanities, including archaeology, are today losing academic and political impact precisely because of this narrowing of their role’ (p. 24).
- Type
- Discussion Article
- Information
- Archaeological Dialogues , Volume 15 , Issue 1: Archaeology of Europe: the 2007 EAA Archaeological Dialogues Forum , June 2008 , pp. 27 - 30
- Copyright
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008
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