Förutsättningar för Arkeologisk Förmedling. En Analys av Tillgång, Likvärdighet och Samverkan mellan Uppdragsarkeologi och Grundskolor

Abstract

Conditions for Archaeological Mediation An Analysis of Access, Equity, and Collaboration Between Contract Archaeology and Primary Schools This study examines how contract archaeology companies engage in communication and collaboration with primary schools, and whether access to archaeological knowledge and its mediation is equal and equitable. Previous research indicates that only a small proportion of Swedish schools are reached by mediation work conducted by such companies. This raises questions about how disparities in access arise and what factors influence whether communication reaches its intended audience. A survey was conducted among primary schools and contract archaeology companies in the Västra Götaland region of Sweden to investigate three key aspects: (1) how mediation services aimed at schools are delivered, (2) the extent to which these services reach schools in an equal and consistent manner, and (3) the challenges and obstacles that occur in contact between the two parties. The findings show that companies offer a variety of mediation services to all schools within their operational areas and in proximity to excavation sites, supported by policies promoting equal provision. Yet only a minority of schools have participated in such activities, and even fewer are aware these services exist. While companies present methods designed to secure equal and equitable access, the available data cannot fully confirm that schools experience such access in practice. This raises a critical question: can contract archaeology companies be said to provide archaeological knowledge equally when only a small fraction of their target audience is aware of their services? https://www.kriterium.se/