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The transmission of HIV/AIDS in heterosexual marital relationships in Zambian rural communities and HIV/AIDS : a case study of Petauke District
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Sakala, Clement Lumuel (2006) The transmission of HIV/AIDS in heterosexual marital relationships in Zambian rural communities and HIV/AIDS : a case study of Petauke District. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
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Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b2103387~S1
Abstract
Primarily through a case study of the Petauke District this thesis examines the
perceptions of local men and women as a basis for examining the significance of the
social construction of masculinity for the transmission of HIV/AIDS in heterosexual
marriages in rural Zambia. Further, it explores participants' perceptions regarding two
possibly key dimensions to the transmission of HIV/AIDS in heterosexual marital
relationships in rural Zambia. These are the interconnections between masculinity and
gender based violence as a factor in the risk of infection, and male attitudes to the use
or neglect of condoms as a measure of protection against the risk of HIV/AIDS
transmission.
This case study is set primarily in a postmodern social constructionist theoretical
context. This provides a sensitive means of registering the variety of concepts,
perceptions, interpersonal interactions and broader social conditions which feed into
masculinity as a social construction. It also facilitates a fine-grained analysis of how
notions of masculinity are both context-specific and shift across time. While largely
focusing on the illustrative significance of stakeholders' accounts in Petauke District,
the study also provides an account of wider socio-economic conditions and the spread
of HIV/AIDS, as a backdrop, and a critique of salient features of current health
promotion responses.
The case study uses qualitative methods, involving the use of individual interviews and
focus group discussions with a sample of thirty men and thirty women, respectively,
who were previously or are currently married. A thematic approach is used to analyse
the data collected in the field.
The study findings reveal that study participants perceive Petauke district to be
undergoing a process of social transformation and it is thus on a 'cultural crossroads'.
This is as a result of the growing influence of the media, education, intermarriages and
social mobility. This has given birth to new social values which all have an influence on
the social construction of masculinity. Challenging traditional and contemporary
hegemonic modes of masculinity is perceived as one of the main tools that should be
used to address the association between the social construction of masculinity and the
risk of HIV/AIDS transmission in heterosexual marital relationships. This includes
addressing the intersection between domestic violence and the risk of HIV/AIDS
infection and promoting the use of condoms against the risk of infection in marital
relationships.
The study concludes by drawing out the implications for health promotion policy and
practice. It discusses the need for health promotion to work with male and female
stakeholders, and undertake programmes that have as a key strategy the
deconstruction of harmful beliefs and ideologies associated with masculinity, in order
to address male HIV/AIDS risk taking behaviour in marital relationships in rural
Zambian communities.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
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Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RC Internal medicine |
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Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | HIV-positive heterosexuals -- Zambia -- Petauke District, HIV infections -- Zambia -- Petauke District, Marital violence -- Zambia -- Petauke District, Masculinity -- Zambia -- Petauke District | ||||
Official Date: | November 2006 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Warwick Medical School | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Hearnshaw, Hilary M., 1948- ; McLeod, Eileen | ||||
Sponsors: | Channel Foundation | ||||
Extent: | 356, [10] leaves | ||||
Language: | eng |
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