In Sweden, the opportunities for the public to participate practically in archaeological work are few, even though there is a great interest among many members of society in devoting themselves to this. This doctoral thesis explores some of the few Swedish archaeological projects that are conducted together with the public, but also looks at similar projects or activities that are performed in other countries. The study examines which values and effects arise when people outside the profession are allowed to participate in archaeological work and which factors affect the possibilities of conducting archaeological projects based on public participation. I have chosen to call the project form Participatory Archaeology.
To understand the effects that arise and how different factors interact, the research has been directed backward in time to explain the current situation, inwards towards the projects to understand the actors' experiences, and outwards towards other countries to understand which factors affect the operation of the type of business. The purpose of the latter is to identify factors that may be worth considering in a work of change where practical archeology in Sweden can become accessible to more people. The study also includes a separate research project that investigates how different sociological methods and models can be used to develop an activity toward a higher degree of participation and involvement.
The study has shown that the project type can generate several different kinds of values, both for the actors involved and for archaeological science. The study has also shown that there are many different factors that can hinder or improve the possibilities for conducting archaeological projects together with the public. In order to create a future where Participatory Archeology is more common, these factors need to be taken into account. The aim of the study is that the results can partly be used in the initiation and design of similar collaborative projects, partly to initiate a discussion, and subsequently a strategy, for how we can in the future develop a cultural environment work and archeology that is accessible to more people in Sweden.
A further objective, common to all research projects within GRASCA, is to investigate the possibilities for both governmental and private archaeological actors to expand their activities in this area.