An exploration of the underlying social dynamics that make women vulnerable to HIV infection

[摘要] English: In South Africa, as in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS hasbecome a source of national and international concern. After manyprevention campaigns and education programmes the viruscontinuesto spread at an alarming rate, forcing one to look more carefully at theunderlying social organization that could be conducive to the spreadof thisdisease. In particular the position of women isbeing investigatedin order to uncover the social dynamics that increase their vulnerabilityto this disease. In the year 2000, almost a quarter (24,5%)of SouthAfrican women attending antenatal clinics were HIV positive.Physiologically,women appear to be at greater riskof contracting HIVthan men. Apart from the physiological vulnerability of women it isimportant to consider the social aspects that put women at risk.Thisthesis considers the following social factors that put women at risk:violence against women, rape in particular; the unfavourableeconomic position of women that threatens the well- being of womenas it encourages behaviour that increases the riskof HIV infection: thelow educational status of women; a sexual culture which includespractices and expectations that put women at risk.This exploratory study revealed that women lack specific knowledgeconcerning the disease and hold certain misconceptions about howbeing in a stable relationship protects one against the disease. Anotherimportant finding was that these women, who acquired the disease,were in stable relationships that were generally positive and rewardingand that the overriding motivation to have sex was based on love. Thisemphasizes the fact that all women are at risk and that the very natureof a stable relationship (that encourages trust and complacency) iswhat puts women at risk. Some relationships were negative and thisinvolved forced sex. Regarding the non-use of condoms, the mainreason cited was that people who trust one another, do not usecondoms. Unfortunately the real culture of infidelity coupled with theemphasis on trust (no condoms) was one important reason why thesewomen acquired HIV. In addition to the above, the study revealed thatthe trans-gender and trans-generational lack of communicationregarding sexual matters makes it difficult for women to insist oncondom use when they suspect their partners to be unfaithful.This study recommends that action to protect women must be takenon an individual, organisational and ideological level. On an individuallevel, it is important that all women perceive themselves to be at riskand that they know exactly how to go about protecting themselves. Inaddition to this, individuals should continuously be motivated topractice behaviour that will protect them from HIV infection. Thismotivation can come through socialisation agents such as schools,parents, churches and the media. It is also important that women havethe power to dictate sexual behaviour. Regarding the organisationallevel, HIV counselling and anti-retrorviral therapy should be available.Sexually transmitted diseases should be prevented with the help of thehealth care sector and the mobilisation of organisations that work tocombat violence against women. Ideologically, the patriarchal natureof our society must be changed before wide spread behaviouralchange will occur. The rampant spread of this disease can only bestemmed if the subordinate position of women is acknowledged andaddressed.

[发布机构] University of the Free State