ABSTRACT
In rather crude terms one can distinguish two views about ideology in recent archaeological literature. On the one hand, ideology represents the interests of the dominant group in society. The dominant perspective becomes absorbed and ‘taken for granted’. We become mystified and duped. On the other hand, ideology can be seen as enabling as well as misrepresenting. This second position is the one that I have adoptedit suggests that society is made up of different interest groups, with varying ideologies, and that social change comes about through the practice of social debate. This is a more optimistic and active view of the individual in society. Indeed, I have felt that the role of archaeology and the past in society should be to encourage debate about the present through debate about the past. I have felt that archaeology and the past could play an active role in contributing to change in the present. The dominant ideology can be criticised and changed. I believed, through social action, including social debate.
