marginalised populations | Social Dimensions of Health Institute

SDHI was represented at the 2015 Dundee Science Festival with a stand to illustrate its applied interdisciplinary work. Dr Fred Comerford, SDHI Institute Manager invited displays related to the topic ‘perceptions’. Using visual illusions Fred demonstrated to visitors that what we see and hold for being ‘real’ or ‘true’ may be deceptive. The theme was also reflected in the display by Kirsty Miller, PhD student in psychology who presented a very timely topic considering for example the refugee crisis in Europe: perceived in-group vs out-group differences that may impact on how likely we act to help others. Jean Cathro of the social enterprise, ‘Crossing countries, challenging boundaries, changing lives‘ engaged children and adults through art work, craft and video presentation. SDHI has repeatedly reported on this innovative social enterprise on this blog. Crossing truly challenges mis-perceptions about disability, ethnicity, gender, age and other characteristics that so often create unnecessary and hurtful divisions. Finally, Dr Ed Hall, Geography challenged in his display concepts of place-based vulnerabilities of communities that experience prolonged electricity failures. Simple categorisations of ‘vulnerable people’ are not useful or informative as ‘vulnerability’ is always contextual and relational. The event at the Dundee Menzieshill Community Centre was very well attended with some families spending several hours there to explore the many exciting displays and presentations.