A global vision on diversity and involvement in archaeology
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 04/06/2017

‘Some’ would state that there is no necessity within Europe to encourage archaeologists to get everyone involved in archaeology, since there already is enough diversity. Is there a necessity for an ‘Equality & Diversity Group’ within British archaeology because there are more problems with equality in archaeology? Or might there be a group like this because Britain has raised more awareness around diversity issues? What are archaeologists doing abroad to make archaeology accessible for everyone, if anything? It could be debated that this awareness is a cultural phenomenon, or yes, even a revenue model.
This presentation will discuss the current global take on, and awareness of, accessibility, equality and diversity in archaeology and will attempt to interpret why some cultures are more open to these issues and come up with innovative solutions, while other cultures might even be apprehensive in adopting equality and diversity as an urgent necessity.


Marloes van der Sommen studied at the faculty of Archaeology at Universiteit Leiden, The Netherlands. She worked in all branches of Dutch archaeology, from government (RCE) to commercial business (RAAP archeologisch adviesbureau B.V.). She has been involved in the implementation of various new processes within Dutch archaeology and three years ago she was able, as project coordinator, to set up the first national community archaeology project in the Netherlands: ArcheoHotspots. The project brings archaeology, in an approachable and ‘touchable’ manner, back to the public. She now combines her interest in acculturational processes and the need to give back to society by giving Dutch community archaeology firmer support. Marloes is also involved in the movement ‘archeologie 3.0’, which denounces abuse within the Dutch archaeology, and tries to connect and exchange knowledge and best practices with allies, such as CIfA.