Witches, Westerners, and HIV: AIDS and Cultures of Blame in Africa

by Alexander Rödlach

A witch's curse, an imperialist conspiracy, a racist plot—HIV/AIDS is a catastrophic health crisis with complex cultural dimensions. From small villages to the international system, explanations of where it comes from, who gets it, and who dies are tied to political agendas, religious beliefs, and the psychology of devastating grief. Frequently these explanations conflict with science and clash with prevention and treatment programs. In Witches, Westerners, and HIV Alexander Rödlach draws on a decade of research and work in Zimbabwe to compare beliefs about witchcraft and conspiracy theories surrounding HIV/AIDS in Africa. He shows how both types of beliefs are part of a process of blaming others for AIDS, a process that occurs around the globe but takes on local, culturally specific forms. He also demonstrates the impact of these beliefs on public health and advocacy programs, arguing that cultural misunderstandings contribute to the failure of many well-intentioned efforts. This insightful book provides a cultural perspective essential for everyone interested in AIDS and cross-cultural health issues.

Genres: Africa

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware because this is an academic book, but it's written well so it's interesting to read. I actually felt a little hungry for more information after reading it, like it wasn't quite in-depth enough to satisfy. But it has a lot of information about the ways that Zimbabweans try explains things like the AIDS crisis through supernatural explanations or conspiracy theories. Interesting stuff, and it isn't just happening in Zimbabwe.

[Mills College Library]

306.46109 R692 2006