The social construction of HIV/AIDS

Abstract

An in-depth look is taken at the specific discourses surrounding the debilitating HIV/AIDS epidemic sweepingSouth Africa and the world. Not only is the statistics daunting, the incidence of the HIV infection worldwide isstaggering. This article provides a concise definition of what a discourse entails as well as its impact on theperceptions concerning the epidemic and its treatment. It looks at the cultural meanings contributed to the infection,its etiology and progress. The role of cultural schemas and means of explanation are examined as well as thegender roles that are used to organise ideas around sexuality and the individual expression of that sexuality. Thearticle securely situates the HIV/AIDS debate within the larger political structures forming today’s world. It clearlyimplicates historic discourses in the modern day perceptions regarding the disease. In the final instance it becomesclear that any interpretation of the experience of HIV/ AIDS has to incorporate the effects of culture, gender andbroader political structures on individuals’ responses to and understanding of the disease