Katriina Siivonen

The Impact of Global Wicked Problems on Foundations of Museum Work

Introduction

The impact of global wicked problems on foundations of museum work. Discover the profound impact of global "wicked problems" on museum foundations, societal agency, and cultural heritage work in contemporary Finland.

Abstract

Mari Viita-aho 2025. Engaging with Wicked Heritage Problems. The Societal Agency of Museums in Flux in Contemporary Finland. Dissertationes Universitatis Helsingiensis 25/2025. Helsinki: University of Helsinki, Faculty of Arts, Doctoral Programme in History and Cultural Heritage. 138 pp. ISBN 978-952-84-0530-6 (print). ISBN 978-952-84-0529-0 (online). ISSN 2954-2898 (print). ISSN 2954-2952 (online). http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-84-0529-0

Review

This review addresses a doctoral dissertation titled "Engaging with Wicked Heritage Problems. The Societal Agency of Museums in Flux in Contemporary Finland," which directly resonates with the broader inquiry into "The Impact of Global Wicked Problems on Foundations of Museum Work." Penned by Mari Viita-aho and published by the University of Helsinki in 2025, this 138-page work signals a timely and critical examination of the challenges confronting contemporary museum practice. Its publication as part of the Doctoral Programme in History and Cultural Heritage firmly situates it within academic discourse dedicated to understanding and shaping the future of cultural institutions amidst complex global changes, specifically drawing attention to the urgent need for museums to adapt. Based on the dissertation's title, the study appears to delve into the profound implications of "wicked problems"—intractable, multi-faceted issues like climate change, social inequality, decolonization, and contested histories—for the heritage sector. Specifically, it promises to explore how these challenges are reshaping the "societal agency" of museums, prompting a re-evaluation of their core functions and public roles within contemporary Finnish society. The focus on museums being "in flux" suggests an analysis of evolving paradigms, potentially examining shifts in institutional ethics, collection management, public engagement strategies, and the very definition of heritage itself. This detailed regional focus, while specific to Finland, offers a valuable case study for understanding how museums globally might navigate similar existential pressures. The work's overarching contribution likely lies in its potential to offer new theoretical frameworks and practical insights for museum professionals and policymakers grappling with these complex issues. By scrutinizing the "foundations of museum work" through the lens of wicked problems, the dissertation is poised to challenge conventional approaches and advocate for more responsive, agile, and ethically grounded museum practices. While the brevity of the work (138 pp.) suggests a focused analysis, its explicit engagement with a critical, contemporary theme makes it a potentially significant intervention in current museological debates, providing a crucial starting point for future research into how cultural heritage institutions can effectively contribute to societal resilience and transformation in an increasingly complex world.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.