Prompt Title: Critical Heritage Studies

International Critical Heritage Studies (ICHS) is a field of study that focuses on how heritage is created, perceived, and used in different cultural contexts. One of the key concepts in this field is culture, which can have different interpretations depending on the perspective of the researcher. Here are some different interpretations of culture in ICHS based on academic papers written in the last 40 years:

1. Culture as a fixed entity: This interpretation of culture sees it as a set of fixed values, traditions, and practices that define a group of people. According to this view, heritage is something that is passed down from generation to generation and reflects the cultural identity of a community. However, this interpretation has been criticized for being too static and for ignoring the dynamic nature of culture.

2. Culture as a contested space: This interpretation of culture sees it as a site of contestation where different groups struggle to define their identity and their relationship to the past. According to this view, heritage is not something that is fixed but is rather a product of power relations between different social groups. This interpretation has been influential in challenging dominant narratives of heritage and promoting a more inclusive approach to heritage management.

3. Culture as performance: This interpretation of culture sees it as something that is actively created and performed by individuals and groups. According to this view, heritage is not just a passive reflection of the past but is rather a dynamic process of interpretation and re-interpretation. This interpretation has been used to promote more participatory approaches to heritage management, where local communities are actively involved in the process of defining and creating heritage.

4. Culture as hybrid: This interpretation of culture sees it as something that is constantly evolving and changing through contact with other cultures. According to this view, heritage is not something that is bounded by national or ethnic boundaries but is rather a product of cultural exchange and hybridization. This interpretation has been used to challenge the notion of a pure and authentic cultural identity and to promote a more cosmopolitan approach to heritage management.

In summary, culture can have different interpretations in ICHS depending on the perspective of the researcher. It can be seen as a fixed entity, a contested space, a performance, or a hybrid. Each interpretation has its own strengths and weaknesses and can be used to promote different approaches to heritage management.