The social constructions of HIV/AIDS stigma in one community in Cape Town, South Africa
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Date
2010
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Abstract
Due to tremendous stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, revelation of HIV positive sero-status of an individual has become a significant risk in communities of South Africa (Kalichman el al., 2003;Deacon et al., 2004; Kalichman et al., 2005, Simbayi et al., 2007). Several researchers have argued that HIV/AIDS stigma poses severe problems which include that it delays HIV testing;stops people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) from seeking care; inhibits incorporation of prevention behaviours; increases violence against HIV-positive people; and extends beyond PLWHA to families, providers and volunteers. HIV/AIDS stigma is widespread, and it is widely
accepted that it does not only reflect but also is exacerbated by co-existing stigmas related to poverty, race, gender, substance use, and sexual behaviour (Parker et al., 2002; Parker & Aggleton, 2003; Holloway, Seaton, Taylor, 2004).This study aimed to understand whether HIV/AIDS as a social construct and those living with
HIV/AIDS are understood and responded to differently by males and females and those previously classified by the apartheid divisive policy as African and Coloured participants in the context of their daily encounters. Hence, the study investigated whether there is a relationship between race, gender and HIV/AIDS stigma among participants and whether this relationship is mediated by age, educational level, and participants’ household situation. In addition, the study explored whether gendered stigmatization is subscribed to by participants, while it further sought
to assess the extent to which participants were exposed to HIV and AIDS; and whether there were gender and racial differences with respect to participants’ perceptions about PLWHA.
Description
Magister Artium - MA
Keywords
Community, Cape Town, Gender, HIV/AIDS, Mitchell’s Plain, People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), ‘Race’, Social constructions, South Africa, Stigma