Hodgson, I. (????) - Myth and illness: the role of culture in the construction of HIV and AIDS

(currently being reviewed)

[Webplaced 21st April 1999]

Summary

The perception of illness is a primary feature of social construction, and in relation to HIV results in a meaning more determined by cultural beliefs than scientific rationalism. Cultural narrative is a rich source of material that individuals and groups collude in, and draw upon to explain new phenomenon. The role of myth is central to this process, and this paper will discuss the role of culture in the representation of illness meaning, and will focus in particular on the amplified reaction to HIV and AIDS amongst health care workers. A taxonomy of myth and HIV will be provided, and implications for the preparation of carers identified.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Entropy and health care ethics ] [ HIV and Children ] [ Myth and HIV ] [ Vertical Transmission ] [ Combination Therapy ] [ Explanatory models and HIV ] [ Culture and HIV ]

Webmaster: Ian Hodgson

Page updated November 15, 2000