Can digging make you happy? Archaeological excavations, happiness and heritage
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 13/04/2016

Current government agendas for investigating the ‘Gross National Happiness’ have spurred private and commercial organisations to consider whether their work has the potential to influence peoples’ happiness and sense of wellbeing (Aked, Marks, Cordon Thompson, 2008). The role of archaeology projects has yet to be considered, despite the body of research pertaining to their wider social values (Kiddey and Schofield, 2010, Simpson, 2010). By combining quantitative methodological wellbeing measures offered by Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Modified Wellbeing Survey (MWS), this research evaluates if it is possible to identify the role archaeological projects play in enhancing wellbeing. The analysis of the quantitative data is used to assess whether it is possible to
quantitatively identify and link changes in cultural values to involvements in heritage projects. This paper sets out a methodological framework for analysing heritage.

Faye SAYER (Manchester Metropolitan University)