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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:A Medical History 'From Below': A Critical Review of New Literature on Changes in African Culture in South Africa and STD and AIDS Epidemics
Author:Mbali, Mandisa
Year:2003
Periodical:Journal of Natal and Zulu History
Volume:21
Pages:77-93
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:sexually transmitted diseases
AIDS
social change
Health and Nutrition
Bibliography/Research
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
History and Exploration
Abstract:An exciting new literature has arisen in South Africa on the historical changes in African societies which are supposed to have facilitated the spread of AIDS and STDs. Indubitably migration, urbanization, with concomitant changing patterns of accumulating wealth, traditional marriage and sex education, and the abandoning of women to their lot, frequently forcing them into prostitution, have made a large contribution. The seemingly immutable sexual double standards still adhered to are also an important contributory factor. In South Africa, traditional healing retains a strong grip on the minds of the people, and traditional and more modern witchcraft, stigmatizing women as the transmittors of AIDS, is still often suggested as an explanation. The sexist and violent practices engendered by the new situation may actually increase the incidence of STDs and AIDS, not helped by President Mbeki's denialism. Nevertheless, the new literature grants subjects agency in both their choice of healing and disease avoidance practices. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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