Science, Popular Culture & Populism: Thinking about Social Justice in Everyday Science Learning - Dr. Emily Dawson

About the Speaker:

Dr. Emily Dawson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Science & Technology Studies at University College London, UK. She is the author of the book “Equity, Exclusion & Everyday Science Learning: The Experiences of Minoritised Groups”. Her work focuses on how people learn about and engage with science, with an emphasis on equity and social justice. Her research and teaching explore how practices across science communication, education and engagement set certain kinds of people up to feel comfortable when they engage with science, while other people are set up to feel profoundly excluded. Find more about her work at equityandeverydayscience.wordpress.com.

Abstract:

What happens to physics – or science more broadly – in popular culture? And why does it matter in the context of government-led deportations of people from the Windrush generation or the way the refugee crisis is covered by UK media? In this talk I will argue that understanding how science, popular culture and society are co-constructed is crucial if we hope to address and ameliorate structural inequalities in who can access, enjoy, laugh at and learn about science. Drawing on several years of fieldwork, I will focus in particular on people’s experiences of the intersections of racism and sexism in popular science practices, ranging from science museums to television programmes. Although I have my own conclusions about how structural inequalities shape people’s experiences of everyday science learning, I want to make space for us all to discuss these practices and what might be involved in reimagining a socially just approach.

Accessibility Statement:

There is wheelchair access. There is padded seating, an accessible toilet, and a hearing loop. There is general car parking, and blue badge parking by request in advance. There isn't a bsl interpreter, or a designated quiet space.

All are welcome!