AIDS and women in Brazil: the emerging problem
Goldstein, D.M.
Social Science and Medicine 39(7): 919-929
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0277-9536 PMID: 7992125 DOI: 10.1016/0277-9536(94)90204-6Document Number: 286319
This paper compares and problematizes the public discourse on AIDS and sexuality with the actual private discourse of low-income urban women in Brazil. Women's perspectives on sexuality are explored by examining what they say about anal sex, virginity, and fidelity and are seen as approximating culturally scripted ideals for sexual behavior. AIDS discourses that are being proposed by the Brazilian government, Brazilian AIDS activist groups and the women's movement are examined in light of these perspectives. Condom literacy, a central component to the Brazilian AIDS activist campaign, is problematized within the context of low-income women's lives.