In the service of society, some thoughts and questions

In the Preface Silverman detailed the need for a working theory of how social work has and can be conducted in museums. However, this is not to say the text is a “how to” for the field of work. In fact she clearly states in the preface that there is too little research connecting social work and museum to even begin the task (p. xii). Thus she set out to develop a theoretical framework upon which research could be conducted and possible advancements could be made.

Silverman began chapter 1 “In the Service of Society” with a brief history of how museums have historically served society. Her analysis was limited, but provided ample diversity and a seeming flow of ideas regarding by and for whom and of course why museum (and similar institutions) were created. Through this brief narrative the reader sees the evolution of museums as elite institutions geared towards the development and enjoyment of the elite, to institutions created by more privileged members of society with the focus of improving the lives of the larger less privileged masses to one that not only works for social improvement but is also inclusive of the larger society in the establishment of goals and focus.

I am curious to see which of these examples other readers feel is most prominent in the establishment and goals of modern museums? And what does this say about the current state of social work in museums?

From here Silverman engaged in a cursory literature review looking at how museums can and do fit her working definition of social work. This portion included a list of eight perspectives which Silverman used as the major framework for later chapters. These perspectives were “1) Interactive experience and social relationships; 2)communication as meaning-making; 3) the meaning of things; 4) human needs; 5) outcomes and changes; 6) relationship benefits and social capital; 7) social change; and 8) culture change” (p. 14).

While each of these notions might seem to stand on its own in either the field of social work and museum education it is the connection and cooperation between museums and those in the social work field that make the experience both unique and at times challenging.

In looking at each perspective which do you think current museums are most successful at reaching?

Is it possible for a museum to meet each requirement or do certain perspectives seem more difficult to fulfill?

If you had to pick – according to the examples given by Silverman, which of these perspectives is most important to the social work of museums and which would be the least?

Silverman, L.H. (2010). The social work of museums. New York, NY: Routledge.