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Treading the path of least resistance: HIV/AIDS and social inequalities--a South African case study

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  • Gilbert, Leah
  • Walker, Liz

Abstract

This paper outlines aspects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic scenario and the complexities associated with it. It reveals the socio-epidemiological patterns of the epidemic and in doing so identifies the populations with the greatest and fastest growing rates of infection. From the data presented it is evident that the pattern of HIV/AIDS in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa in particular is unique. The pattern emerging in South Africa follows closely. The features of this pattern are as follows: the epidemic is mainly a heterosexual epidemic, the rates of infection in the general population are very high and the percentage of HIV-positive women is greater than men. An additional unique feature is the young age of onset of infection for women. These data demonstrate the need to focus our attention on young African women and the factors underpinning their predicament. In order to understand their position we examine the long standing relationship between social inequalities and health in general and further invoke the concepts of vulnerability and social capital to shed light on the position of women in the epidemic. Within the constraints of limited and problematic statistical data, the paper argues that a mixture and complex interaction of material, social, cultural and behavioural factors shape the nature, process and outcome of the epidemic in South Africa. It concludes with recommendations for the way forward.

Suggested Citation

  • Gilbert, Leah & Walker, Liz, 2002. "Treading the path of least resistance: HIV/AIDS and social inequalities--a South African case study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 54(7), pages 1093-1110, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:54:y:2002:i:7:p:1093-1110
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    Cited by:

    1. Béné, Christophe & Merten, Sonja, 2008. "Women and Fish-for-Sex: Transactional Sex, HIV/AIDS and Gender in African Fisheries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 36(5), pages 875-899, May.
    2. Anette Arnesen Grønlie & Wenche Dageid, 2017. "Subjective Well-Being Among HIV-Positive South Africans: The Influence of Resilience and Social Capital," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 131(3), pages 1251-1268, April.
    3. Pronyk, Paul M. & Harpham, Trudy & Morison, Linda A. & Hargreaves, James R. & Kim, Julia C. & Phetla, Godfrey & Watts, Charlotte H. & Porter, John D., 2008. "Is social capital associated with HIV risk in rural South Africa?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(9), pages 1999-2010, May.
    4. Flatø, Martin & Muttarak, Raya & Pelser, André, 2017. "Women, Weather, and Woes: The Triangular Dynamics of Female-Headed Households, Economic Vulnerability, and Climate Variability in South Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 41-62.
    5. Neely, Abigail H. & Ponshunmugam, Arunsrinivasan, 2019. "A qualitative approach to examining health care access in rural South Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 230(C), pages 214-221.
    6. Gilbert, Tal & Gilbert, Leah, 2004. "Globalisation and local power: influences on health matters in South Africa," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 67(3), pages 245-255, March.
    7. Stadler, Jonathan J. & Delany, Sinead & Mntambo, Mdu, 2008. "Women's perceptions and experiences of HIV prevention trials in Soweto, South Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(1), pages 189-200, January.
    8. Pronyk, Paul M. & Harpham, Trudy & Busza, Joanna & Phetla, Godfrey & Morison, Linda A. & Hargreaves, James R. & Kim, Julia C. & Watts, Charlotte H. & Porter, John D., 2008. "Can social capital be intentionally generated? A randomized trial from rural South Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(10), pages 1559-1570, November.
    9. Choi, Susanne Y.P. & Cheung, Yuet Wah & Chen, Kanglin, 2006. "Gender and HIV risk behavior among intravenous drug users in Sichuan Province, China," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(7), pages 1672-1684, April.

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