Planetary Dysregulation & the Multi-Ethnic Working Class
May 2022
by Charlotte Kemp, Elahi Hossain, and Araceli Camargo
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Description
The multi-ethnic working class is a socially constructed umbrella term to describe those who have been marginalised and artificially classified due to their type of work and income. Historically this has included those doing physical labour such as hygiene workers, land labourers, or construction workers and it also meant earning under a specific threshold. In more recent history, it has become a culture with specific vernacular, social activities, and values independent of income.
“We have been both metaphorically and literally at the coal-face of environmental deterioration because we tend to work in the most hazardous environments, live in the unhealthiest neighbourhoods, and are the least able to find individual solutions such as changing jobs and homes […] we have a strong vested interest in achieving sustainability.”
(source)
- Karen Bell, a senior lecturer in human geography and environmental justice at the University of West England
Planetary Dysregulation x Inequity Cycle Affecting the Multi-Ethnic Working Class
Poor Health Pathways
Story 1
A single mum working in a fast food restaurant and training to be a teaching assistant.
Story 2
A mother and father of six. Mother worked in the NHS for 32 years and Father worked as a refuse worker.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This project was created to showcase the lived experience and expertise of the various marginalised communities being affected by the dysregulation of our planetary systems.
For each “vignette” we interviewed people to both directly quote as well as use as a reference to inform and guide the scientific research.
Each vignette was led by a person belonging to the community in focus. It is part of Centric Lab’s continual commitment to doing science and health justice work that is “for us by us”.