Anson, Caroline

Dr. Caroline Anson is a consultant with the Really Useful Knowledge Consultancy. She is engaged in a series of studies exploring the creative potential of e-learning in late modernity and is the co-author of a recent book concerning voyages of self-discovery. Dr. Anson received her Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Exeter.

The Role of the Museum in Creating Multi-Cultural Identities: Lessons from Canada

2005 0-7734-6016-0
The resolution of conflict caused through the failure to recognise the legitimacy of reasonable differences of view is one of the key challenges for all those who prefer to see political processes in train in search of solutions to the conflict caused by illegitimate intolerance. The authors draw on theoretical developments in cultural studies and in the theory and practice of ICT in order to explore the contribution that the museum might make to the reconciliation of seemingly incommensurate viewpoints. They draw on empirical work on the ‘Legends of our Times’ exhibition in Canada where they apply a novel research methodology to explore the impact of the exhibition on young people’s learning.

Anyone concerned with clarifying their thinking concerning the meaning and significance of the inter-relationships between culture, heritage and identity should find the unique approach offered here stimulating and controversial. For people directly involved in the museum and heritage business, for the first time, the role of the museum as a ‘sacred space,’ built on the creation of exhibits through a theory and practice of ‘constructed neutrality,’ is fully developed. The authors tackle the crucial question of how we encourage people to develop a deeper sense of belonging, or community, without that process in itself leading to more formal or rigid exclusions of those who do not belong; the museum, they argue, can and should promote toleration in an increasingly intolerant world.