‘Vulnerability’ and ‘othering’ during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has been marked by discourses of ‘vulnerability’ (e.g., identifying groups at increased risk of infection or disease) and practices of ‘othering’ (i.e., acts that target marginalized groups, often as if something is ‘wrong’ with them). For instance, some populations have been deemed ‘vulnerable’ due to socioeconomic factors beyond their control, which has often led to stigmatization, and whole countries have been blamed for negative outcomes, e.g., for the emergence of new variants of concern, which has often led to discrimination and exclusion. If we take the concepts of solidarity and justice seriously, we must consider how pandemic preparedness and response activities can proceed in a manner that avoids stigmatizing, blaming, and othering. This seminar will explore these ideas and will be followed up by additional seminars focusing on how ‘vulnerability’ and ‘othering’ have been experienced by specific population groups.
Date: 16 May 2022, 13:00 (Monday, 4th week, Trinity 2022)
Venue: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1716521071894/WN_sRlO3s4WTayMZ5RaWuyqrQ
Speaker: Various Speakers
Organising department: Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health
Part of: Tropical Medicine Global Health Seminars
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1716521071894/WN_sRlO3s4WTayMZ5RaWuyqrQ
Cost: Free
Audience: Public
Editor: Adam Dale