Exploring the past, participating in the present and promoting positive futures: the pro-social benefits of archaeology for justice capital with UK prison

• In Event: PWG - Prison education: Pedagogical approaches and outcomes

Abstract

Wide-ranging literature demonstrates the overall advantages from engaging with archaeology which include economic, environmental, social, cultural, physical, and mental benefits for communities and individuals. It has been argued that studying and being involved in archaeology can help to broaden people’s responses to challenging situations and build their personal resources and capabilities (Henson, 2011). However, this literature has not extended to research with those within prisons. This research project, ‘Archaeology, Education and the Development of Justice Capital’ evaluates the benefits of learning about and participating in an archaeology course for adult male prisoners. Within the 12-week course, students explored historical eras, a range of historic and archaeological objects and key debates. The paper outlines research findings drawn from observations, interviews and is supplemented with activity outputs. The research found how archaeology can offer an innovative, alternative prison education; however, its potential due to inclusive learning through exploration of artefacts, activity and discussion in small group environments. The findings illustrate the pro-social experiences and justice capital for archaeology participation within prison and how being actively engaged within archaeological discussions and practical exercises developed participants’ social and personal skillset. The research shows the importance of engaging those within exclusionary criminal contexts as active participants within their own education and research to promote participation and justice capital.

Authors

• Jayne Price, University of Chester

• Caroline Pudney, University of Chester