African American Women and HIV/AIDS - by Dorie Gilbert (Paperback)

About the Book

AIDS is the second-leading cause of death among African American women between the ages of 18 and 44. African American women constitute 63% of all cases of AIDS among women in the United States. This volume brings together the collective wisdom of scholars, researchers, and social work professionals dealing with these concerns. Focusing attention on the primary population of women impacted by AIDS, this book presents culturally sensitive responses that meet the specific needs of African American women.

An historical and current overview of the alarming HIV infection rate among African Americans, in particular women, introduces the crisis. Subsequent chapters highlight HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention strategies that are successfully impacting the African American population. Guided by a feminist perspective and grounded in social construction theory, social work theory, and social work practice, this volume privileges the voice of African American women, the group that is the most disenfranchised--and least accurately represented--in AIDS-related research and writing. This essential guide sheds light on a calamity too often overlooked, making it especially valuable for scholars, students, researchers, and practitioners involved with HIV/AIDS issues in the African American community, and with women's and black studies.

Book Synopsis

AIDS is the second-leading cause of death among African American women between the ages of 18 and 44. African American women constitute 63% of all cases of AIDS among women in the United States. This volume brings together the collective wisdom of scholars, researchers, and social work professionals dealing with these concerns. Focusing attention on the primary population of women impacted by AIDS, this book presents culturally sensitive responses that meet the specific needs of African American women.

An historical and current overview of the alarming HIV infection rate among African Americans, in particular women, introduces the crisis. Subsequent chapters highlight HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention strategies that are successfully impacting the African American population. Guided by a feminist perspective and grounded in social construction theory, social work theory, and social work practice, this volume privileges the voice of African American women, the group that is the most disenfranchised--and least accurately represented--in AIDS-related research and writing. This essential guide sheds light on a calamity too often overlooked, making it especially valuable for scholars, students, researchers, and practitioners involved with HIV/AIDS issues in the African American community, and with women's and black studies.

Review Quotes

?An outstanding book that brings forth the issues that are confronting the Black communities throughtout the United States. Researchers will be able to build on what is presented and present new ideas on how to combat this disease in the urban and poor areas of the United States where so many of the Blacks now reside. Highly recommended for all academic libraries.?-AIDS Book Review Journal

?This unique collection of 15 essays, all by African American women, concerns the impact of HIV/AIDS on various aspects of US women's lives, families, and environment. The book is heartbreaking to read because of the juxtaposition of the strength of the African American women's self-identity bolstered by family and community support, and the devastation that this disease creates in their lives....especially important and enlightening for male and female non-African Americans. Excellent references....Highly recommended. All levels/libraries.?-Choice

"An outstanding book that brings forth the issues that are confronting the Black communities throughtout the United States. Researchers will be able to build on what is presented and present new ideas on how to combat this disease in the urban and poor areas of the United States where so many of the Blacks now reside. Highly recommended for all academic libraries."-AIDS Book Review Journal

"This unique collection of 15 essays, all by African American women, concerns the impact of HIV/AIDS on various aspects of US women's lives, families, and environment. The book is heartbreaking to read because of the juxtaposition of the strength of the African American women's self-identity bolstered by family and community support, and the devastation that this disease creates in their lives....especially important and enlightening for male and female non-African Americans. Excellent references....Highly recommended. All levels/libraries."-Choice

About the Author

DORIE J. GILBERT is Assistant Professor at the Center for Social Work Research, University of Texas, Austin. She is co-editor of Bulletin of HIV/AIDS in Social Work.

EDNITA M. WRIGHT is Director of Diversity and Outreach Services for Gannett Health Center, Cornell University.