基本説明
The first in depth study to examine beliefs about witchcraft and conspiracies surrounding HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Full Description
A witch's curse, an imperialist conspiracy, a racist plot—HIV/AIDS is a catastrophic health crisis with complex cultural dimensions. From small villages to the international system, explanations of where it comes from, who gets it, and who dies are tied to political agendas, religious beliefs, and the psychology of devastating grief. Frequently these explanations conflict with science and clash with prevention and treatment programs. In Witches, Westerners, and HIV Alexander Rödlach draws on a decade of research and work in Zimbabwe to compare beliefs about witchcraft and conspiracy theories surrounding HIV/AIDS in Africa. He shows how both types of beliefs are part of a process of blaming others for AIDS, a process that occurs around the globe but takes on local, culturally specific forms. He also demonstrates the impact of these beliefs on public health and advocacy programs, arguing that cultural misunderstandings contribute to the failure of many well-intentioned efforts. This insightful book provides a cultural perspective essential for everyone interested in AIDS and cross-cultural health issues.
Contents
Introduction; Part I The Cultural Life of HIV/AIDS; Chapter 1 Investigating Sorcery and Conspiracy; Chapter 2 HIV/AIDS as Personal Experience; Part II HIV/AIDS and Sorcery; Chapter 3 The Sorcery Paradigm; Chapter 4 A Sorcerer's Servant-Being; Chapter 5 Infidelity and Sorcery; Part III HIV/AIDS and Conspiracy; Chapter 6 Conspiracy Paradigms; Chapter 7 Conspiracy Theories Involving Healthcare Providers; Chapter 8 Conspiracy Theories Involving Westerners; Part IV The Implications of Culture; Chapter 9 Comparing Theories of Blame; Chapter 10 Applications for the AIDS Crisis;
