Social impact
Sharing the impact museums can have is an enormously powerful way to demonstrate the value of the sector.
We commissioned a literature review to collate the academic, peer-reviewed evidence of the impact museums can have, as measured against the outcomes of the Scottish Government's National Performance Framework.
Below is a summary of our findings. The full literature reviews with bibliography are available here:
Literature review: education and employability
Literature review: health and wellbeing
The Museums Association has also produced Scottish case studies to support their Museums Change Lives campaign, available here.
NATIONAL OUTCOME: EDUCATION
We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society
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National Indicators |
Research Conclusions |
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Educational attainment
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· visible improvement of student learning in the measured population of 4–16-year-olds · a positive impact on attainment · increased teacher confidence around finding creative ways to deliver the curriculum using non-traditional spaces · better understanding of curriculum subjects · improved examination grades, written and practical work |
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Confidence of children and young people
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· children developing increased confidence and improved social and communication skills · increased levels of interest and motivation · inspiration of children and young people at all curriculum stages |
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Resilience of children and young people |
· developing critical thinking benefiting social norms and values as well as ethical thinking the promotion of creative engagement leading to entrepreneurial thinking |
NATIONAL OUTCOME: CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential
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National Indicators |
Research Conclusions |
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Child social and physical development
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· developing critical thinking benefiting social norms and values as well as ethical thinking · the promotion of creative engagement leading to entrepreneurial thinking |
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Child wellbeing and happiness
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· children developing increased confidence and improved social and communication skills · increased levels of interest and motivation |
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Children’s material deprivation
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· Children and young people from disadvantaged areas reap greater benefits from visiting museums |
NATIONAL OUTCOME: HEALTH
We are healthy and active
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National Indicators |
Research Conclusions |
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Healthy life expectancy |
· Visiting museums and galleries is associated with increased longevity |
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Mental wellbeing |
· Museums have a positive impact on mental wellbeing · Carers are happier through reminiscence attendance · Agitation in dementia sufferers can be eased through reminiscence · Museum visitors have a lower rate of developing dementia in later life · Communication can be improved through attending reminiscence sessions for those with dementia · Reminiscence reduced social isolation · Reminiscence can make carers less stressed · Reminiscence increases sociability and enjoyment in dementia patients · museum objects might trigger personal memories, associations and emotions that could support a deeper level of processing and meaning-making · visitors to museums have a lower rate of developing depression |
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Premature mortality |
· participation in museum activity can reduce chronic pain · museums visitors have greater general wellbeing · visiting museums makes people happier · museums participation reduces stress and anxiety · participating in museum activities reduces isolation and increases a sense of identity museum outreach activities in hospitals have been shown to have a positive impact on patient wellbeing |