Next research talk will be about ‘vulnerable’ families

Families and how wider society views them will be put under the microscope for the latest research findings talk.

Café Scientifique is an open public event with no admission fee. The main talk, by researchers and experts in their field, is followed by the chance to ask questions.

Delivered by University of Northampton (UON) and hosted by The Bee Hive on Harborough Road in town, the only price for attendees is for a drink or snack at the venue.

The next event on Thursday 14 November 5pm – 6.30pm will be about families and social work. Dr Peter Goy will discuss findings from his study of Children’s Centre workers and their resistance to negative perceptions of vulnerable families.

Dr Goy is a Senior Lecturer In Children, Young People and Families at UON. His teaching and research interests focus on social welfare and justice related to children and families. He says: “In an atmosphere of ‘othering’ in the UK – when individuals and groups are treated and marked as different and inferior from the dominant social group – a new label has emerged, vulnerable families.

“For my talk, I’ll take in concerns about how families are socially constructed because of being labelled vulnerable, as well as the negative implications. This talk is open to all, whether you are an academic, student, sector professional, or members of the public. I look forward to seeing you on the day.”

To ensure Café Scientifique meets the needs of local communities in the town and other areas, the event team has created a short survey to understand what topics people want future talks to be about, how often they should happen and suggestions for locations outside Northampton. The survey is open until Thursday 17 October.