Social inclusion in museum education : a literature review

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore how the concept of inclusion is tackled in the field of museum education. Forty-one empirical articles written in four languages are examined, and the conceptual bases of different types of inclusive museum programs in those articles are identified and analysed. Results show that available research about inclusion in museum education can be classified in four categories: learning, community engagement, training/internship, and health/therapy. The category of learning refers to museum programs in which visitors learn different skills. Community engagement includes programs in which the objective is to invite and engage diverse specific groups of visitors in museum spaces and activities. Training/internship focuses on university training, internships, and museum personnel training. Health/therapy includes articles analysing programs directed to people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.