Kulturverdi

Kulturverdi is a term used to describe the value attributed to culture that goes beyond monetary costs and benefits. It includes the meanings, identities, and social importance attached to cultural artifacts, practices, and environments within a society.

The scope covers tangible heritage such as buildings, museums, and archives, as well as intangible heritage such as languages, rituals, music, and traditional crafts. Valuation combines qualitative assessments—symbolic significance, connection to community, and educational value—with economic methods that attempt to measure non-market benefits through surveys, preference studies, or multi-criteria analysis. In policy contexts, kulturverdi informs decisions about preservation, funding, and urban development.

Practically, kulturverdi is used to justify protecting heritage, guiding conservation priorities, and shaping cultural programs that support social cohesion and identity. International and national frameworks influence how kulturverdi is identified and acted upon, including criteria for listing, funding eligibility, and public engagement strategies.

Critics argue that kulturverdi is inherently subjective and difficult to compare across contexts, which can complicate policy and risk undervaluing other social objectives. Proponents contend that acknowledging kulturverdi helps safeguard heritage, fosters inclusive communities, and contributes to long-term cultural and social well-being.