How Intimate Lives Can Be Shaped by Social, Economic and Political Forces - Assignment Example

Name Professor’s name Date 1. Question 1. We have discussed how affective economies dovetail with material economies. Using case studies discussed in class, describe how intimate lives can be shaped by social, economic and political forces in the context of migration and mobility. What is the role of human capital in this context and how can the commodification of intimacy can create specific health problems? 2. Question 2. What does it mean to suggest the management of HIV at a global level entails the creation of a bio-political subject and, in Nguyen’s terms, a form of ‘therapeutic citizenship’? Expanding on this notion, show how having HIV can in turn be considered as the basis for a form of new globalized social movement. What does the empowerment prompted by this global movement seek to challenge and overturn – provide examples of its effects. Introduction The term sexuality is interpreted depending on the social and moral values of a person or community. According to Foucault (1981) the ways in which different people view and understand sexuality heavily depends on their cultural values or their communal beliefs. Hence there is no standard way or terms that can be used to define sexuality. During the colonial times, people used sexuality as a tool to gain power, an understanding tool to dictate progress as well as defining factor that created boundaries in a social context (Foucault, 1978). Question 1. Political instability in several countries especially in the developing nations is one of the key factors that has led to the increased numbers of migration. Moreover legislative laws and policies act as discriminating issues that hinder individuals from openly expressing their sexuality. As a result the minority in a society will not participate in any sexual matters as they feel as though they are not accepted. For instance in nations where same sex marriages and sexual behavior is not advocated for, the rate of HIV among lesbians and gay people is higher. This is because such individuals feel helpless and cannot access medical services that can advise them on preventive measures (Altman, 2001). According to Altman (1978) this in turn promotes a society or community that is uninformed of related sexual and health risks that expose these individuals to HIV. Additionally, in such nations, while advocating for preventive measures against contracting and spreading of HIV, the relevant authorities tend to leave out the minority groups and do not include them in these programs. Bernsten & Laurie (2005) assert that such political issues, expose natives and immigrants to new social and economic factors that will influence their moral approach and behaviors towards sexuality and the issue of HIV. In recent times, economics scales of different nations and individuals, has greatly contributed to the high rise of migration and leading to the increased rates in cultural exchange. This also means that people conform to new sexual behaviors so as to fulfil their sexual needs and desires (Jenkins, 2003). Economic forces have forced people to relocate to environments which one believes to be fulfilling and will add monetary value to them. For instance, in the case study, ‘Sexual health of Akha women in Laos’ it is evident that most immigrants will settle in urban areas or near trade centers. This is because this locations provide better opportunities for one to be successful as they are open to participate in trade activities. In a bid to participate in a rapid economic growth and benefit from it, most instances present immigrants as vulnerable individuals. In foreign lands, immigrants are faced with different cultural and social practices that put them at health risks (Farmer, 2003). For example, the case study ‘Sexual health of Akha women in Laos’ explain that in Laos most people are not expected to have children if one is not married. However with the increased rate of migration, one will find foreigners in the land participating in sexual activities with young unmarried girls and getting them pregnant. At this point it is evident that the immigrant and the local are already exposed to health risks since they are participating in unhealthy sexual activities. Moreover, the female counterpart is likely to experience discrimination for this act, she is already categorized as a minority (Lyttleton, 2015). The study also revealed that most citizens in Laos tend to take part in reckless and unprotected sex. This is common during social functions where individuals get drunk and engage in unprotected sex with strangers or sex workers. Such moral boundaries have both positive and negative consequences. This is because an immigrant either conforms to the sexual practices of the community or influences the. The stigma associated with being an unmarried mother or a sex workers deters the affected individuals from taking part in any HIV related programs to educate them on the risks associated with having unprotected sex. This is also witnessed among Dai women who fail to attend health programs that discuss issues revolving sexuality and sexual health. Among Dai women the stigmatization associated with being a prostitute or HIV positive stops them from seeking any health services or advocate for HIV related preventive measures (Lyttleton, 2015). According to Lyttleton (2015) the cases among Laos and Dai women reveal that the social and economic context in their communities present women as a marginalized group of citizens. With this kind of gender inequality, immigrant women in these communities are disadvantaged as they are exposed to social factors which put them at risk of poor health outcomes (Butler, 1996). Needless of the risky health factors immigrant women in these context cannot voice their opinions on the sexual activities or take part in safer sexual practices as they are forced to conform to the practices in these lands. Sociological and hypothetical structures are the two of the most influential human factors that contribute to the health issues arising from the economic, social and political factors leading to migration. Human activities especially cultural and moral practices continue to impact the general views that individuals have towards sex and sexuality in various contexts. The beliefs, cultural and moral behaviors of people make it difficult for HIV related interventions to be effective in most communities. For instance the gender inequality experienced in some countries, make it difficult for women to seek help or access information regarding HIV (Oliver, 1992). According to Boykin (2006) if individuals have an understanding of the importance of sexuality and the associated behaviors, immigrants would not be exposed to health risks. Educating people on the risks of their sexual activities despite their cultural or moral activities and beliefs, will reduce the transmission of HIV across continents through migration. Transparency and open communication about the issue of HIV will aid the spread of information regarding the health problem as well as aid corresponding attitudes towards the matter. Sexual rights need to be addressed in a simpler manner to enable individuals globally to have a clearer and better understanding of the issue of sexuality (Khan, 2001). This will ensure that foreign economic, political and social matters do not shape the nature of sexuality in an individual. The HIV virus has risen to an epidemic level in all developing countries across the globe. The social, economic and political factors in different countries globally greatly influence the increase in the HIV epidemics. This is because the structural inequalities experienced in most countries has contributed to the rise of the epidemic especially in marginalized communities. HIV and aids is therefore associated with the social and economic issues that affect nations all across the world. Structural inequalities have led to HIV being identified as one of the growing global health issues that affect economic, social and political aspects of a country (Over et al. 2004). Question 2. As the world continues to be globalized as become a global village for different communities and individuals with varying interest to interact, several social, political and economic globalized associations have been implemented to form a safe and secure environment for people to thrive. In a bid to eradicate the HIV epidemic in the world and especially in developing nations, organizing a globalized social movement is paramount. The HIV pandemic is already identified as a social issue that impact the lives of many globally which in turn interferes with their stability. Internal and external migration of individuals has led to the exchange of cultural and moral values which tends to risk the growth of HIV. This is because the migration of people to new environments leads to the formation of new relationships that arise due to social and economic factors (Mangham and Hanson, 2010). Furber et al. (2002) argue that the sudden changes that people experience when migrating to new environments, make them vulnerable therefore they do not have the ideal time to evaluate the consequences associated with conforming to new cultures, behaviours and moral values. Economic factors force individuals to migrate to other nations in search for a better and more stabilized lifestyle. Therefore people will keep moving from one community to another in search for financial freedom, thus associating the rapid growth of HIV pandemic globally. Therefore, opportunities provided to individuals will determine ones attitudes, interests, behaviours and moral values. This is because every opportunity presents individuals with new environments that is accompanied with a foreign social structure and beliefs. Evidently, the rise of HIV will continue as people are exposed to new environments in their search for financial freedom and economic growth. The issue of a globalized environment leads to the integration of different communities which further facilitates the open exchange of ideologies and values. Altman (2001) argue that urbanization, economic stability and social status have exposed people to foreign practices and scenarios. As a result individuals tend to put themselves as a risk of contracting and spreading HIV to their counterparts by engaging in sexual practices without taking into account the risks associated. According to Altman (2001) the bond between affective and material economies has rapidly influenced local change in the society. This means that individuals will conform to new behaviors and practices without effectively realizing the consequences in pursuit of a more stable and secure life. This automatic makes HIV a global issue as the globalization of most nations depend on migration of individuals which also contributes to the exchange of culture and ideas. The social, economic and political issues affecting different nations in the world has contributed to the growing issue of HIV pandemic, therefore structuring a globalized movement to reduce the pandemic will involve strategies that aim at solving these issues. A global social movement against HIV should implement a strategy that aims at educating individuals on the importance of being knowledgeable about cultural behaviors on their health and wellbeing. In the globalized environment that we live in, diversification is identified as one of the main factors that led to the epidemic of HIV being a global issue. More attention need to be drawn to the diverse practices in sexuality and sexual relations. This will in turn ensure that despite the internal and external migration practices from one nation to another, individuals are well educated about the social practices that put them at risk of contracting and spreading HIV. For instance, in some nations some groups or communities face a greater risk of being affected by HIV than others depending on their sexual practices or orientation (Mangham and Hanson, 2010). The implementation of a global social movement against HIV will be a strategic step in ensuring that citizens are educated about the health implications that different cultural matters and vices have in relation to HIV. Drawing more attention to the local knowledge in the community level and socio-economic events that lead to the rise of the epidemic of HIV, can effectively influence how people perceive sexuality and sexual relations. A global social structure is an effective way to create awareness on public health issues that affect the minority groups. This will further draw attention to implementing preventive measures that will assist in enlightening individuals on socio-economic issues that make the vulnerable (Das, 2001). Conclusion According to Farmer (2003) minority groups such as people living with HIV, sex workers, gays, lesbians and transgender continue to face discrimination and as a result the adverse efforts by NGOs to create awareness on the epidemic become useless. This is because of the several cultural beliefs and moral values that hinder some societies from recognizing that HIV is real and still exists in their societies. Feldblum et al. (2003) provides an example by explaining that in Asia, at least 35% of the women continue to suffer from HIV and spread the virus due to the myths associated with the use of the female condom. Having a global social movement to create awareness will ensure that even the marginalized communities in each country are educated and well informed about the growing issue of HIV. As a result immigrants to these societies or communities will not act blindly or be ignorant of the risks associated with the sexual vices and practices. References Altman, D. (1997). Global gaze/global gays, GLQ: A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies, 3: 417–436. Altman, D. (2001). Global Sex. Chicago: Chicago University Press. Bernstein, E. and Laurie S. (2005). Regulating Sex: The Politics of Intimacy and Identity. New York: Routledge. Boykin, K. (2006). Beyond the down low: Sex, lies, and denial in Black America. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers. Butler, J. (1996). Sexual Inversions. In Feminist Interpretations of Michel Foucault, ed. Susan J. Hekman, 59–77. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press. Das, V. (2001). Stigma, contagion, defect: issues in the anthropology of public health, NIH Stigma and Global Health Conference, 5–7 September 2001, Bethesda, MD, Available at: http://www.stigmaconference.nih.gov/FinalDasPaper.htm. (Accessed on 4th Nov 2015) Farmer, P. (2003). Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. Berkeley, California: California University Press, Berkeley. Feldblum, P.J., Welsh, M.J., & Steiner, M.J. (2003). Don’t overlook condoms for HIV prevention. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 79, 268–269. Foucault, M. (1978). The History of Sexuality, vol. 1. An Introduction. Trans. Robert Hurley. London: Allen Lane. Foucault, M. (1981). The History of Sexuality: An Introduction, New York: Vintage Publishers. Furber, A. S., Newell, J. N., & Lubben, M. M. (2002). A systematic review of current knowledge of HIV epidemiology and of sexual behavior in Nepal. Tropical Medicine and International Health, 7(2): 140–148. Jenkins, C. (2003). HIV/AIDS and culture: implications for policy in Culture and Public Action, eds V. Rao & M. Walton. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. Khan, S. (2001). Indian gays and lesbians on the road to human rights, Pukaar, 35: 4–5. Lyttleton, C. (2015). Understanding the Consequences of rapid economic development in South- East Asia. Culture, Health & Sexuality in Developing Countries. Mangham, L.J. & Hanson, K. (2010). Scaling up in international health: what are the key issues? Health Policy and Planning, 25: 85–96. Oliver, M. (1992). The Politics of Disablement. Basingstoke: Macmillan. Over, M. et al. (2004). HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention in India: Modeling the Cost and Consequences. Human Development Network: Health, Nutrition, and Population Series. Washington, DC: The World Bank. Read More