HIVism: A pervasive system of oppression

Francis, D. (2004) HIVism: A pervasive system of oppression. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 40(1), pp. 61-71. (doi: 10.15270/40-1-352)

Abstract

This paper, structured in three parts, argues that the negative treatment meted out to people living with HIV/AIDS by those who are HIV negative or unaware of their serostatus, constitutes oppression. The writer draws on a qualitative study that explores the perceptions and experiences of nine individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In part one the terms stigma, prejudice, discrimination and oppression are unpacked. In the second part the writer describes the research strategy used to understand the participant’s subjective experiences of prejudice and discrimination. Part three integrates the voices from the interviews together with the literature and empirical analysis. The following themes emerged: (1) Negative labels and stereotypes, (2) Unprovoked attacks on person and property, (3) Institutional discrimination and exclusion, (4) Internalised HIVism (people who accept the negative views of themselves experience feelings of guilt, shame and self-blame), and (5) Horizontal HIVism (people living with HIV/AIDS direct hostility and mistreat others who are HIV positive).

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Francis, Professor Dennis
• Authors: Francis, D.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk
• ISSN: 0037-8054
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2004 The Author(s)
• First Published: First published in Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk 40(1):61-71
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a creative commons licence