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International Nuclear FamiliesInternational Nuclear Families is a large-scale and multidisciplinary social sciences project which explores the lives of the Nuclear test veterans and their families, worldwide. It follows on from Nuclear Families, a study that I undertook from 2016-2019 to explore British nuclear test veteran communities.
The project combines methodologies across the social and human sciences to explore this unique group, in it's historical and social context. A series of semi-structured interviews were implemented to tackle themes pertaining to well-being, welfare, family dynamics, mental health, disability and stigma. Focus groups were conducted to gain insights into group dynamics, thoughts and feelings, within the context of the cohort gaze. Finally, an ethnographic approach provided a uniquely subjective overt participant observation of the family experience. To find out more, please contact me at beckyalexismartin@gmail.com |
The Nuclear Families ReportNuclear Families: A Social Study of British Nuclear Test Veteran Community Families was a large-scale, multidisciplinary study of the British Nuclear Test Veteran community, conducted from 2016-2019. The report of our findings is freely available to the public.
The Nuclear Families study has explored the lives of the UK atomic veterans and their descendants through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, oral histories, workshops, participant-led events, participant observation, demographic analysis and archival research from 2016-2018. These approaches provided a snapshot into the current lives of this community with specific insights into their past experiences, present situation and future needs. The Nuclear Families study has encompassed cross-generational experiences of disability, contested diagnoses, unmedicalised and somatic conditions; mental health and wellbeing, gendered challenges, cross-generational perceptions of hereditary risk, descendant reproductive decision-making and genetic altruism, memorialisation and death, ageing and hidden intergenerational care needs, and the influences of a historically minimal health and safety culture upon veterans today. This study identifies that there is still a diverse range of issues within this community which create a need for further support. The descendant community experiences trauma from perceived risks, and there are issues arising from mental and somatic health challenges. It also demonstrates the considerable support which is currently provided by non-governmental sources, with credit to the committees of the New BNTVA and the NCCF for facilitating remembrance, social events and community support. This study recommends that the families of UK atomic veterans are provided with a specialist counselling service to support their understanding of their experiences and the likelihood any risks. This study also recommends greater specialist signposting for NHS professionals on the challenges arising for the descendants of UK atomic veterans; including autoimmune conditions, mental health challenges and addiction issues. A suggested NHS information template is provided for this purpose. |
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Atomic AtollsAtomic Atolls explores the lives and experiences of the Kiritimati islanders, from the co-opting of their island by Britain's nuclear imperialist aspirations in the 1950s - to the present day challenges that are faced by impending climate change effects.
This is a participatory and post-colonial project,that aims to give the people of Kiritimati a voice in determining their own experiences and futures, and in raising awareness of past colonial injustice. This project is kindly supported and endorsed by the BNTVA. To find out more, please contact me at beckyalexismartin@gmail.com |
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