AIDS, Culture and Africa

"An excellent resource for illustrating the complex interrelationships of historical, sociopolitical, and cultural factors driving this epidemic today. The multiple perspectives of the authors, their first-hand experience with the affected populations, and the range of issues presented makes this a valuable contribution."--Michele G. Shedlin, University of Texas at El Paso Too often, approaches to dealing with the problems posed by the spread of HIV have been one dimensional, with the assumption that what works in one place will work in another. Douglas Feldman has collected a group of essays representing a wide range of original ideas, methodologies, and suggestions that make a significant contribution to the field of AIDS research, both in Africa and beyond. AIDS, Culture, and Africa examines such key issues as HIV transmission, condom use, sexual patterns, male circumcision, political factors, gender, poverty, and behavioral change. It features the research of those working in different countries in Africa, with different communities within those countries, and with different age, class, religious, and ethnic groups within those communities. These original, previously unpublished essays also address the need for a greater anthropological perspective in the increasingly medicalized and politicized study of HIV and AIDS. As a whole, they pave the way for a deeper cultural understanding necessary to effectively reverse the catastrophic growth of HIV/AIDS on the continent. Douglas A. Feldman is professor of anthropology at SUNY Brockport.