AIDS in Africa in the 20th Century Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

AIDS in Africa in the 20th Century - enclosure Paper Examplefood, clothes, etc. Soon enough, however, they be not only confronted with economic distress all but also with an insurmountable kindly disaster. Apparently, two of the most prevalent social issues they are veneer are bell ringertization and discrimination. These issues are evident in a study about the women in Nigeria. This news report argues that these two social issues--stigmatization and discrimination--are the top reasons why AIDS survives up until the 20th century and beyond. Even so, twain social issues worsen the problem of AIDS in Africa. Lastly, this paper suggests that if the government and other interventionists alike are really serious with their aim of eliminating AIDS in Africa, they should first gear their efforts on eliminating these two social issues. AIDS as a Social Construct Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS is a condition brought about by HIV infection. As the diseases name suggests, t he HIV infection would make the bodys immune system deficient, making it more(prenominal) susceptible for other infections that may potentially compromise body functioning (Stolley and Glass 2009, 5). However, beyond this scientific definition, AIDS became known as a more complex problem. In a study by Keniston (1989, 2), he revealed that AIDS resonates problems in public health, politics, psychological processes, education, as well as issues regarding public attitude and morals. Moreover, Keniston (1989, 2) pointed out that AIDS is more of a social construct than a biological one. To date, it seems that the same still holds true. First and foremost, the spread of the computer virus is enacted within the sexual behavior of two individuals--clearly a social interaction. Second, cultural and social structures help make up ones mind and condition the behaviors and interactions that further spread AIDS (Keniston 1989, 2). For instance, the African societys poverty prods women to enga ge in sexual trades, thereby, perpetrating the disease. Lastly, societal notions regarding AIDS give rise to the concepts of stigma and discrimination, which contribute to oppression towards African women as well as to the worsening of Africas problem on AIDS. Stigma and Discrimination stigmatisation be In ancient times, stigma is a Greek term used to symbolize the mark on the flesh of a scandalous character, a traitor, criminal, or slave (Harvey 2001, quoted in Akanbi 2010, 3209). Additionally, a famous definition states that stigma is characterized as a discrediting within a particular social interaction, as a regretful social identity and a deviation from the attributes considered normal and acceptable by society (Harvey et al. 2001, quoted in Akanbi 2010, 3209). Interestingly, a study made by Inside-Out Research (2003, quoted in Akanbi 2010, 3209) regarding South Africa, provides a two-fold definition of stigma (1) internal stigma, an internal remorse that further makes the vi ctim hide her condition, thereby, declining assistance and access to resources, and (2) enacted or external stigma, which implies discrimination and societys fear of association with a person who has HIV or AIDS. Factors That Brought Stigmatization A study asserts that certain natural and socio-demographic factors influence HIV/AIDS stigmatization and discrimination among women in Lagos State, Nigeria. Among these factors are related to what Liz