3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions

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    White Female Schoolteachers Perceptions and Experiences with HIV/AIDS
    (2006-11-17T07:56:23Z) De Kock, Lauren
    In the only national study of HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in South Africa, using racial groups as categories of analysis, it was found that 6.2% of White South Africans are HIV positive (Nelson Mandela/HSRC, 2002). This prevalence is higher than in ‘White’ populations in other countries (Nelson Mandela/HSRC, 2002). This high prevalence rate amongst white South Africans, though researched and published, appears to be unknown amongst white schoolteachers. Those armed with this knowledge, the media and prevention campaigns, seem to perpetuate the stereotypical image that HIV/AIDS is a ‘Black’ disease. This perception, evident amongst the schoolteachers interviewed, seems to stem from the personal experiences that the teachers have had, the social encounters experienced, as well as the prejudices created about Black people throughout colonial and apartheid times. Promiscuity is considered as the number one reason why the spread of HIV/AIDS has been so rampant in South Africa. Therefore, Black people are not only perceived as being promiscuous, but HIV positive. Due to the fact that respondents seem to make a natural connection between HIV/AIDS and race, emphasis must be placed on White South Africans, in order to aid in the dispelling of false and potentially fatal misconceptions. A false sense of security does exist amongst the white schoolteachers interviewed. A large majority did not perceive themselves, their family or friends, as being at risk of HIV/AIDS infection. However, cognizance must be taken of the fact that this perception has not merely been thought up at random, it is the product of a racialized past.
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