Genusperspektiv på kulturmiljövård. En diskussion om genus i bebyggelseantikvarisk verksamhet

Abstract

This Mag. thesis discusses how a gender perspective could be implemented in the management of cultural heritage focusing on the built environments in Sweden. The thesis further argues for the need of a gender perspective on the conservation of cultural heritage. The two main approaches, additive through the perspective of the women’s part in history and integrated gender perspective, are thoroughly presented in the thesis. In the additive gender approach built objects that represent women’s experiences and lives are added to a history that traditionally represents men and their experiences. The integrated gender perspective includes a gender in all activities as an instrument in a historic analysis. The gender perspective illustrates the relation between the sexes. Not only does it focus on women but it is also used to analyse men and masculinity. Advantages and disadvantages of these two perspectives are analysed. The thesis also includes a discussion on why a gender perspective is relevant and important in the work of cultural heritage preservation of built environments. A short review of Swedish National board of Antiquities’ (Riksantikvarieämbetet) work with gender perspective is also covered. Finally, the management of cultural heritage focussing on the built environments is compared to the successful work and research of integrating gender approach in historic exhibitions at museums.