Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
School of Library and information Science
Sub-Department
College of Information and Communications
First Advisor
Samantha Hastings
Abstract
This study addresses the increased urgency in the field of cultural heritage informatics (specifically museums and historic sites) to articulate clear methods for inclusive praxis. Less than 10% of all museum visitors are people of color. Coupled with the fact that 80% of the museum workforce constitutes a demographic of white women; with changing racial demographics in this country, museums and historic sites are grappling with how to address and understand “doing” diversity and inclusion in museums. This study is a critical case study of a brand new historic site and museum that is attempting to be wholly inclusive by adopting and designing new methods which are drastically different from current best practices. Data was collected in the form of visitor surveys, observations, extensive interviews, and critical analysis of texts. Critical Race Theory was used an informative framework to problematize and redefine how professionals frame discourses of diversity and inclusion as a critical issue where race serves as the discourse re-frame.
Rights
© 2017, Porchia Moore
Recommended Citation
Moore, P.(2017). Shifting the Aircraft Carrier: Why Race Matters in Museums and Historic Sites: An Examination of Inclusive Practices. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/4142