This month, we took a fascinating detour from the usual biological deep dives into light and health, welcoming Dr Simon Carter, a medical sociologist from the Open University and author of Rise and Shine, to shed light on the social history of sunlight. Prepare to have your perspective thoroughly shifted!

Dr Carter wove a captivating narrative of how our collective perception of sunlight has dramatically morphed over the past three centuries, profoundly influencing how we live, build, and even think.

His journey began with a personal anecdote: a 1990s study in Glasgow that revealed a curious contradiction. Locals, well-versed in sun-safety advice, confessed to feeling undeniably healthier and happier after sun exposure. This sparked Dr Carter’s quest to understand the complex, often paradoxical, relationship we have with the sun.

• The 19th Century: The Shadow of Dread: Imagine a world where sunlight was viewed as a sinister force. Medical journals warned of “sunstroke,” colonialism bred fears of tropical diseases, and pale skin was a mark of social standing. The sun, essentially, was the enemy.
• The Early 20th Century: The Dawn of the Sun Cure: Suddenly, sunlight was the hero! The romanticisation of nature, the discovery of its role in preventing rickets, and its (sometimes dubious) use in treating tuberculosis transformed it into a health elixir. London Zoo installed sunlamps, “Sunlight Architects” designed homes to maximise exposure, and Vitamin D became a household name. The sun was now the cure-all.
• The 21st Century: Navigating the Grey Areas: Today, we find ourselves in a complex middle ground. We understand the risks of skin cancer, yet crave the mood-boosting effects of sunshine. We’re bombarded with conflicting advice, leaving us cautiously navigating the sun’s rays.

Dr Carter’s exploration of the Garden City movement and the “Sunlight Architects”, Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin, was particularly compelling. Their belief that homes should be designed to follow the sun’s path wasn’t just about architecture; it was about creating healthier, more harmonious communities. They understood that sunlight wasn’t just a physical phenomenon, but a social one.

The most profound takeaway? Our relationship with sunlight isn’t static; it’s a social construct, shaped by cultural beliefs, scientific discoveries, and societal anxieties. Understanding this evolution helps us navigate the complexities of sun exposure today.

If you missed Dr Carter’s thought-provoking talk, or any of our previous sessions, head over to our YouTube channel.

Next month we are thrilled to welcome Simon Carter, author and Lecturer in Sociology at The Open University, who will explore how scientific discoveries, social trends, and cultural values have shaped our understanding of the sun’s impact on our wellbeing. Follow us on LinkedIn for registration details!