Über die Gestaltungskraft und Debattenfähigkeit in der deutschen Archäologie – Eine Fallstudie

Abstract

The paper traces the genesis and publication of the “Guidelines for an Archaeology of Modernity” (Arndt et al., 2018). It reports on discussions and debates surrounding the DGUF Conference 2020 “Do we want and need more archaeology of modernity?” (Scherzler & Siegmund, 2020). The reports by two involved contemporary witnesses serves to work out the underlying pattern of this case study: how professional policy in German archaeology works – or does not work. Based on these experiences, the authors outline which structures and measures, but also changes in attitudes and mindsets, would be necessary in order to gain the necessary creative self-design power for the discipline and an effective custody for cultural heritage.