Close
Taster Session: How Do We Understand the 'Human' in Humanitarianism?
06 February 2025, 1:00 pm–1:50 pm
Join Dr Aeron O’Connor for an exploration of how anthropology uncovers the diverse human experiences that shape humanitarian action.
This event is free.
Event Information
Open to
- All
Availability
- Sold out
Cost
- Free
Organiser
-
RDR Comms
How Do We Understand the 'Human' in Humanitarianism?
Anthropology as a Window Into Humanitarian Response
How do people’s experiences of and responses to disaster or conflict vary according to their socio-cultural background?
What it means to be ‘human’ varies widely around the world, including people’s perceptions of health, safety and risk. Notions of dignity and vulnerability are also diverse, context-dependent and shaped by the interplay of history and identity. Anthropology provides a better understanding of the social, political and historical contexts in which several of the world’s current crises are playing out.
This session will explore how anthropology deepens our understanding of humanitarianism and equips humanitarians to manage the complexities of working in the sector.
Whether you're considering a career in the humanitarian sector or currently working in the field, this taster session offers useful insights into how cultural awareness shapes effective humanitarian response.
About the Speaker
Dr Aeron O'Connor
Lecturer (Teaching) in Social Anthropology and Humanitarianism at UCL Risk and Disaster Reduction
Dr Aeron O’Connor is Lecturer (Teaching) in Social Anthropology and Humanitarianism at UCL. Her work focuses on the cross-generational endurance of social groups, urban histories and migration. Aeron’s research in Tajikistan examines the ways communities navigate political change and ecological crises. She teaches Introduction to Social Anthropology to Global Humanitarian Studies BSc students.
More about Dr Aeron O'Connor