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The role of heritage in facilitation of sustainable futures: A new approach to heritage as a function of cultural change
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The role of heritage in facilitation of sustainable futures: A new approach to heritage as a function of cultural change

Marta Botta
Knowledge Futures: Interdisciplinary Journal of Futures Studies, Vol.1(1), pp.115-140
2017
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Abstract

Other Studies in Human Society Indigenous knowledge intangible heritage creative traditionalism cultural citizenship sustainable futures CLA integrated cultural paradigm
The heritage futures perspective of this paper highlights the contemporary role of heritage in fostering sustainable futures. More than ever before, it is imperative to learn from the past to prevent irreversible damage to natural ecosystems , and to foster an integral worldview, embedded in transmodernism. Consequently, re-evaluation of the concept of heritage through the Causal Layered Analysis considers new approaches to heritage incorporating the integral worldview, honouring Indigenous knowledge. One of the most important contributions of Indigenous knowledge to the new concept of heritage is the consideration of circular temporality. Circular thinking is a departure from the Western goal oriented linear mind-set focusing on the future and disregarding the past. Therefore, this extended temporality illuminates sociocultural change and offers insight into the causation of present day social dissent. The circular perspective ensures that the past is periodically revisited to strengthen identity, to provide a sense of belonging, and to integrate past and present knowledge to inform future action. There are prime examples of the consciousness integrating past, present and future, in spiritual communities, and instances of grassroots activism, reviving heritage practices worldwide. Defining features of this integral consciousness are analysed through the Four Quadrant analysis. The analysis reveals a broader senses of identity, fostering creative traditionalism and cultural citizenship, within the framework of heritage futures. Heritage futures go beyond mere preservation of tangible heritage, and considers intangible heritage as a source of societal renewal, culminating in the process of 'future-making'.

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