Unit 4
HIV and AIDS in Other Cultures

Unit 4 focuses on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which is one of most serious public health threats in the world today. The fact that sexual activity is the primary mode for the transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) has complicated prevention efforts. As you have seen, sexuality is an extremely complex topic, and thus, many individuals and groups have conflicting ideas and perspectives on the sexual issues relevant to the AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) epidemic.

Unit 4 looks at how AIDS has forced societies to re-evaluate many of their commonly held perceptions about human sexuality. It also discusses issues inherent in the challenge of AIDS prevention in cross-cultural situations.

Objectives

When you have completed the study activities for Unit 4, you should be able to

1. identify the cultural, economic, and political factors that contribute to the high number of HIV-positive births worldwide.
2. describe the cultural assumptions surrounding the acquisition of AIDS.
3. describe the role the “other” plays in ethnocentrism.
4. describe how ethnocentrism impedes HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
5. explain the role of the media in the spread of concepts about HIV/AIDS.
6. compare the moral issues surrounding sexuality in the 1800s with those of the 1980s.
7. compare Setel's analysis of Tanzanian moralism with Priest's essay on “missionary positions.”
8. postulate misconceptions of HIV/AIDS in a global context.