ABSTRACT
A collaborative archaeological approach to contemporary homelessness in two English cities, Bristol and York, this chapter describes an attempt to facilitate authentic narratives on the culture of homelessness. It is potentially useful to those interested in subaltern heritage and also social work practitioners tasked with engaging homeless people in support agencies and associated social services. This chapter describes a central concern throughout fieldwork with homeless people, as colleagues, as experts in their field. It discusses of the project's policy and philosophical contexts, an examination of ethical considerations in undertaking work of this nature, its methodology and two case studies are described, one from Bristol and one from York. Arising from these case studies are problematic hurdles in presenting perspectives that involve criminal or anti-social' behaviour as heritage. The chapter describes what can be gained from using heritage as a place to begin working with socially marginalised people and what is to be gained from so-called non-expert' knowledge.
