Between the cracks: out-of-school youth and discourses of HIV/AIDS

Francis, D. and Rimmensberger, N. (2008) Between the cracks: out-of-school youth and discourses of HIV/AIDS. South African Journal of Psychology, 38(4), pp. 603-613. (doi: 10.1177/008124630803800402)

Abstract

Out-of-school youth are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS due to factors of poverty, lack of employment opportunities, low self-esteem and entrenched notions of gender. Many HIV/AIDS information campaigns are run through schools and, even though high profile prevention campaigns are broadcast through the media, out-of-school youth are beyond the reach of a structured learning environment in which they can discuss and ask questions regarding the information they have received. We investigated not only their views on HIV/AIDS, love, sex and friendships, but also how out-of-school youth talk to each other about these topics and the discourses they utilise. We also asked where they obtain their information on HIV/AIDS and how they respond personally to the challenges of the disease in their communities. Eight out-of-school youths were trained in basic research skills to carry out interviews with 32 other out-of-school youth in the Lamontville and Shongweni Dam areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The analysis of their conversations provides a starting point for informing intervention campaigns that address marginalised youth who exist “between the cracks” of HIV/AIDS education.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Francis, Professor Dennis
• Authors: Francis, D., and Rimmensberger, N.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: South African Journal of Psychology
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 0081-2463
• ISSN (Online): 2078-8208