Transformations in British prehistoric research practice, 1980-2010 : a multi-stranded approach
This study examines developments in British archaeology over the last 30 years, focusing in particular on transformations in prehistoric research. Ultimately it seeks to foreground the extent to which recent historical developments (at all levels of the discipline and in various working contexts) are implicated in contemporary research practices. Advocating the need for taking a multi-stranded and interdisciplinary approach, I have consulted a range of sources - digital archives, documentary and oral material - and have drawn on ideas from archaeology, sociology, anthropology and oral history. Through a detailed analysis of a leading disciplinary newsletter, I highlight key concerns which have shaped archaeological practice over this period, and how particular roles and relationships have been defined and developed. By examining records and primary research outcomes of British prehistoric fieldwork, I develop a thorough understanding of how both data production and accounts of British prehistory have transformed. Based on evidence from 'life-history' interviews undertaken with prehistorians across the discipline, I identify and explore themes which connected the diverse experiences of these practitioners:
Cooper, Anwen
Transformations in British prehistoric research practice, 1980-2010 : a multi-stranded approach. This study examines developments in British archaeology over the last 30 years, focusing in particular on transformations in prehistoric research. Ultimately it seeks to foreground the extent to which recent historical developments (at all levels of the discipline and in various working contexts) are implicated in contemporary research practices. Advocating the need for taking a multi-stranded and interdisciplinary approach, I have consulted a range of sources - digital archives, documentary and oral material - and have drawn on ideas from archaeology, sociology, anthropology and oral history. Through a detailed analysis of a leading disciplinary newsletter, I highlight key concerns which have shaped archaeological practice over this period, and how particular roles and relationships have been defined and developed. By examining records and primary research outcomes of British prehistoric fieldwork, I develop a thorough understanding of how both data production and accounts of British prehistory have transformed. Based on evidence from 'life-history' interviews undertaken with prehistorians across the discipline, I identify and explore themes which connected the diverse experiences of these practitioners:
british prehistoric practice multi approach study examine_development british_archaeology focus_particular transformation prehistoric research ultimately seek foreground extent recent historical_development level discipline various work context implicate contemporary practice need take multi interdisciplinary range_source digital archive documentary oral material drawn idea archaeology sociology anthropology oral_history detail_analysis lead disciplinary newsletter highlight key concern shape archaeological_practice period particular_role relationship define develop examine record primary outcome british prehistoric fieldwork develop thorough data production account british_prehistory transform based evidence life_history interview undertaken prehistorians across_discipline identify explore_theme connect diverse experience practitioner