HIV/AIDS in Society

HIV/AIDS are a collection of symptoms which affect the immune system. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the result of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus). This disease is one that affects people on a global scale and a disease that needs to be addressed and acted upon immediately. But is HIV/AIDS a social problem? One understanding of a social problem is an issue that has been created which affects society in one way or another. A more justified definition is that a social problem is 'a condition that undermines the well-being of some or all members of society and that is usually a matter of public controversy' (Macionis, 2005: 4). HIV/AIDS is considered a social problem because of the way it is affecting people within society. Although HIV/AIDS itself was not created by society, it is the way it affects society and how it is being dealt with that makes it a social problem. In the United Statesthere were 63,500 of adults living with HIV/AIDS in 2005. By exploring the origins of HIV/AIDS, its effect on society in the United Statesand the consequences of those effects will help to justify the conclusion that HIV/AIDS is a social problem and its nature as a social problem.

The HIV/AIDS is a virus that is thought to have originated from primates in America which transferred to humans in the 20th centaury. It was not until the year of 1989 that HIV/AIDS officially became an epidemic. The disease can be transmitted through three main routes; sexually - unprotected sex when secretions of fluid with the disease are passed from one person to another. Childbirth - known as the mother to child transmission where the mother has the disease and passes it onto the baby during childbirth(Walker, p22). Thirdly through blood - this can be transmitted through blood transfusions, sharing of unsterilised needles and even through tattoos and piercing of the body. Many people are unaware that they carry the virus as they do not get tested for sexually transmitted diseases or they have no knowledge that they may be carrying anything in the first place. Especially in less economically developed countries many people are not educated enough and do not know about contraception and the disease. Especially in United States the majority of all countries are more economically developed countries, so they have the money, doctors and knowledge to tackle HIV/AIDS and control it although there is still no cure. Globally HIV/AIDS main epidemic is in America, 2.5 million People lived with HIV at the end of 2007 with the epidemic claiming 1.6 million lives. The epidemic in America is one that is still growing. The majority of countries within America are less economically developed countries, so therefore these countries lack money. They do not have doctors, technology and knowledge of healthcare to tackle HIV/AIDS like most western countries which is why there are so many cases of HIV/AIDS in America(Macionis, p45).

In the U.S there has been a conscious effort in responding to HIV/AIIDS through ...