Archaeological Working Conditions and Public Perception

Abstract

This chapter discusses how the on-the-ground realities of archaeological fieldwork mesh with how the process and findings of archaeology are presented to the general public in print media such as Archaeology magazine. The authors discuss whether or not “field archaeology” is described accurately in the popular media, what they think the reading public thinks about archaeology and what, in their experience, makes a “good” archaeological story. In particular, Everill highlights that the gulf between the public perception and the reality of archaeology is never wider than when one considers the commercial, “contract” sector; in comparison, Young discusses the best ways to “sell” archaeology to the public. In discussion, both authors are struck by the apparent disconnect between the daily working life of an archaeologist and the public face of archaeology.