Understanding the public experience of archaeology in the UK and Italy: a call for a 'sociological movement' in Public Archaeology

Abstract

Despite the continuing growth of Public Archaeology as a field of studies, the composition and behaviour of the 'public' for archaeology are still heavily under-investigated. This paper addresses the neglected area of archaeological audiences and offers insights into the public's experience of archaeology in the UK and Italy, focussing on museums and television and using a primarily quantitative and case study-based approach. Conclusions provide evidence and suggest aims, theory and methods for the start of a 'sociological movement' in Public Archaeology.