Domain
The domain of ‘heritage and memory studies’ can be described as the interdisciplinary study of cultures of memory, understood as the ways in which the past is remembered and given meaning through diverse media and cultural practices, resulting in collective and identity-forming narratives. Unlike the discipline of history, which – albeit aware of the relationship with the present – aims to interpret the past, the domain of heritage and memory studies, which is growing rapidly at the international level, is focused on the spill-over of the past into the present and the exchange between the present and perceptions of the past; an exchange that, by its very nature, is presentist in nature and closely tied to the formation of individual and collective identities. This research thus offers a key to understanding political, social and cultural developments in today’s society.
The interdisciplinary nature of scholarly research into heritage and memory stems, on the one hand, from the multiplicity and diversity of textual, material, visual and intangible sources, and, on the other hand, from the multiple mental, social and political dimensions of individual and collective memories and processes of meaning-making. The research draws on both the humanities (cultural and historical sciences, literary studies, aesthetics, media studies, philosophy and philosophy of life) and the social sciences (anthropology, spatial sciences, psychology, political sciences and sociology); there are also interconnections with research on material and geological heritage, linked to disciplines such as archaeology, object analysis and conservation research, and restoration research. Issues relating to the representation of the past form an important focus, linked to museum studies, developments relating to 3D visualisation, and participatory methods such as the oral history of (artistic) practice-based research.
Audiences
The domain is both nationally and internationally oriented. The national orientation is mainly expressed in active participation in research, practices and debates about heritage; the international orientation is expressed in theoretical debates, cross-border themes, publication channels and international collaborations. The wider interest in research in this domain is reflected in the interest in research outcomes shown by both academic researchers and by professionals, policymakers and the general public. These are shared in books, contributions to journals and edited collections, blogs and participation in public debates about heritage, collective narratives and the meaning of the past in contemporary society, but also through other publications such as catalogues, audio or audio-visual source publications, exhibitions, commemorative lectures or (solicited and unsolicited) policy recommendations.
Products and forms of communication
- Academic publications mostly take the form of articles in international journals. Monographs, catalogues and contributions to edited volumes are also published; monographs are still highly regarded. Many products are of a hybrid nature, targeting both academic and broadly interested general audiences.
- Dutch and English-language publications make up a key proportion of the research. Publishing in other languages is important for some specialisations.
- Subject-specific publications in recognised journals and academic publications, but also hybrid publications targeting both academic and professional and non-academic audiences, as well as contributions to general media.
- Review processes are very important, including for book and edited-volume publications, and can consist of both standard forms of (anonymous) peer review and rigorous editorial review processes.
- Scientific results are also communicated in the form of lectures, exhibitions, creative products or datasets.
Processes and strategies
- Monographs for international publishers require several years of work and are usually realised later in a scholar’s career.
- Hybrid publications are frequently accompanied by various lectures and appearances for scientific, professional and general public audiences, radio and TV appearances, and participation in (Internet) blogs.
- The principle of single-author publications, while common in this field, is not necessarily the norm, not only due to the interdisciplinary nature of the domain, but also because multiple perspectives and diversity are inherent to the domain of heritage and memory studies.
- Single-authorship is the dominant form of authorship, although there are increasing numbers of multi-author publications, particularly in interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Researchers use diverse publication forms, creating a diversity of media characterised by journal articles, monographs, contributions to edited volumes, films, catalogues, exhibitions, etc.
Applicability of quantitative indicators of use and recognition
This domain is characterised by its highly interdisciplinary nature, one that serves both international and local audiences and communicates via academic and hybrid channels. Knowledge of the source languages is required for high-quality research in the domain. Due to the social impact of the research domain, policy-oriented research and the valorisation of existing insights are important factors in the development of the research agenda.
Bibliometric indicators such as citation analyses have yet to become usable, even when based on Google Scholar, because many publication channels are not indexed and the reference practices are too diverse.