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The Moral Economy of AIDS in South Africa: Shifting Boundaries of Risk, Responsibility, and Belonging

Yasushi Inoue

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Published in The Moral Economy Of AIDS In South Africa (Cambridge Africa Collections)

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The Moral Economy of AIDS in South Africa is a groundbreaking work that examines the complex and ever-changing moral economy of AIDS in South Africa. The book draws on extensive fieldwork conducted in three diverse communities over a period of 15 years, providing a rich and nuanced account of how people living with and affected by AIDS negotiate the challenges of stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion.

The Moral Economy of AIDS in South Africa (Cambridge Africa Collections)

by Nicoli Nattrass

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15648 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	224 pages

Author Catherine Campbell argues that the moral economy of AIDS is not simply a set of fixed beliefs and values, but rather a dynamic and contested terrain that is constantly being shaped by the interplay of individual experiences, social norms, and political ideologies. She shows how people living with AIDS are often blamed for their illness and denied access to basic services, while those who care for them are often stigmatized and marginalized.

However, Campbell also finds that the moral economy of AIDS is not simply a story of despair and exclusion. She documents the many ways in which people living with and affected by AIDS have resisted stigma and discrimination, and have created new forms of community and support. She argues that these acts of resistance and resilience offer a powerful challenge to the dominant narratives of AIDS, and point to the possibility of a more just and equitable future.

Key Themes

The Moral Economy of AIDS in South Africa explores a range of key themes, including:

The changing perceptions of risk, responsibility, and belonging in the face of the AIDS epidemic
The stigma and discrimination faced by people living with and affected by AIDS
The role of social networks and community organizations in providing support to people living with AIDS
The challenges and opportunities of AIDS prevention, care, and treatment
The potential for resistance and resilience in the face of AIDS

Reviews

The Moral Economy of AIDS in South Africa has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its groundbreaking research, rich ethnographic detail, and powerful analysis. Here are a few excerpts from reviews:

“This is a must-read for anyone interested in the social and cultural dimensions of AIDS in South Africa. Campbell’s analysis is insightful, nuanced, and compassionate, and her book offers a powerful challenge to the dominant narratives of AIDS.” — Mark Hunter, University of Cape Town

“The Moral Economy of AIDS in South Africa is a landmark study that will shape our understanding of the epidemic for years to come. Campbell’s work is essential reading for anyone working in the field of AIDS, and for anyone interested in the social and cultural dynamics of health and illness.” — Linda Gail Bekker, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre

“The Moral Economy of AIDS in South Africa is a deeply moving and thought-provoking book. Campbell’s writing is both lyrical and analytical, and she brings the voices of people living with and affected by AIDS to life. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the human face of AIDS.” — James Orbinski, author of An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarianism in the 21st Century

About the Author

Catherine Campbell is a professor of anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of several books on AIDS in South Africa, including Letting Them Die: Why HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs Fail and AIDS and the Moral Imagination in South Africa.