Sickle Cell Disease can only be understood in the context of racial politics.

Sickle Cell Disease can only be understood in the context of racial politics. Predominantly seen in populations of African heritage, the diagnosis and treatment of this disease from the 1920s onwards draws attention to the importance of culture in biogenetic understandings of disease. Medical practices associated with sickle cell disease also shed light on health care disparities and the cultural construction of pain.

A lecture by Joanna Bourke

This event is also available to watch live online. To register, visit: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/whats-on/sickle-cell-history

Gresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham’s mission, please consider making a donation: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/support/