In the 21st century, there are many problems that affect human beings. Globally, both developed and developing countries are universally affected by conflicts, incurable diseases, natural disasters, as well as global financial crisis. Certainly, these problems have social, psychological, physical, economic, as well as political impacts, what varies is the intensity of its effects. As a matter of fact, many people and nations tackle these issues differently, depending on personal traits, economic status, cultural issues, as well as availability of resources. One of the main problems that affect the world today is HIV/AIDS; it affects families, individuals and nations. In fact, it cuts across gender, sex, status, as well as age. The most significant issue that arises due to HIV/AIDS is stigma and accessibility of care, as well intervention strategies.
The most identified theory in this perspective is the labeling theory. Perhaps, the theory was developed in the 1960s by Lemert and Becker. The theory is associated to symbolic interaction and social construction analysis. As a matter of fact, the theory asserts that deviance in society is not an inherent act, but it tremendously focuses on how the majority in the community label the minority negatively (Bowers, 2000). In fact, majority in society elaborate on their labeling based on standardized social and cultural norms. Additionally, the theory puts much concern on how behavior and self-identity of individuals could be influenced or determined by what others describe them to be. On a general perspective, it is associated with stereotype and self-prophecy (Prosalendis & Deacon, 2005).
Certainly, labeling theory has various components that help in describing its applicability. Labeling theory is far much concern on how identity and self are affected. In its own, labeling is mostly based on deviance and negativity. Primary deviance in the sense of labeling theory occurs for various reasons, of which modest affects on self. On the other hand, secondary deviance comes about because of response to various reactions on primary deviance. Goffman asserts that self concept always take another turn from being normal to deviant. Due to these changes individuals acquire stigma and a new identity. Sociologist believes the society today demand a high degree of normalcy (Prosalendis & Deacon, 2005)
In the contemporary society, labeling theory is very applicable and relevant in the field of HIV/AIDS. Certainly, it is relevant as it creates stigma and gives identity to those individuals who are either affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. Labeling, interactions, and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS are related. The theory focuses on symbiotic meanings of illness and health. As a matter of fact, in the society today people suffering from HIV/AIDS are labeled in various ways. This labeling causes both psychological and social problems, of which in turn led to social stigma. In this case, social stigma refers to discontent with or disapproval of a person based on a characteristic that distinguishes them from the members of the community. In fact, it is an entire process in which reaction of other people destroys the normal identity of an individual.
In the past, many people die because of stigma that was associated with labeling. The society attributes HIV/AIDS to deviance. For example, when HIV/AIDS label is associated with a person, the label has the power to destroy an individual socially and personally. The social stigma that comes as a result of HIV/AIDS labeling, derives both societal reaction, as well as imagined reaction (Prosalendis & Deacon, 2005). The reactions will lead to discriminatory behaviors among the labeled and other members of society. In the long run, the label will lead to withdrawal and tremendous change of self-identity. People in society suffering from HIV/AIDS have been called names and given an identification word slogan, of which the strong ones overcome the challenge. Many of those labeled commit suicide and lose hope in life. Currently, many people suffering with HIV/AIDS have worked out the label and gone public on their status. This is one way of overcoming the stigma as well as the label.
Regardless of information and globalization of HIV/AIDS issues, many suffering from the virus face a lot of social and personal barriers in accessing care. In most countries in Africa, HIV/AIDS pandemic has been declared a national disaster; but still many people still die of it. Overcoming stigma associated to HIV/AIDS is another tremendous problem towards the eradication of the effects. Antiretroviral medications are available, but its accessibility and management is another big issue. Accessibility of care among HIV/AIDS victims is consequently affected by stigma (Bowers, 2000).
Stigma is tremendously isolating, discrediting, as well as causing a feeling of shame, quality and inferiority. Stigma delays accessibility of medication and management of drug use. As a matter of fact, stigma makes the victims withdraw from using antiretroviral medication, of which its withdraw lead to severe health conditions. Another barrier towards accessibility of care is poor infrastructure. In the rural areas, infrastructures are not up to date. Hence, delivery of HIV services is hindered; to some extend information does not reach those suffering in the rural areas (Prosalendis & Deacon, 2005).
On society, women are still marginalized and cannot access care as required. Hence, they face a lot of gender inequality issues associated to HIV/AIDS. Additionally, on a personal level individual who are infected decide to use illegal drugs to overcome the stigma; in this process, they will miss a lot of medical care (Prosalendis & Deacon, 2005). On financial grounds, most HIV/AIDS victims come from developing nations; this implies that they are poor. Therefore, poverty makes incapable of travelling to long distances, or meeting other expenses associated to care.
Socially, health care providers can be a barrier towards achieving care and medication. Studies show that health care practitioners and professionals, especially those who have not encountered HIV/AIDS victims, may be too insensitive to the stigma associated with it. Furthermore, maintenance of patient confidentiality does not exist in most cases, or are not adhered to by medical professionals. In society, people view individuals living with HIV as immoral and irresponsible (Bowers, 2000). Hence, the HIV positive victims would not want their status know; therefore, they keep to themselves and not access care. Other social barriers include knowledge on existing care, family pressure, as well as discrimination.
Bowers, L. (2000). The Social Nature of Mental Illness. London: Wiley.
Prosalendis, S & Deacon, H. (2005). Understanding HIV/AIDS Stigma: A Theoretical and
Methodology. New York: Springer.
