Changes of the Concept and Theory of Stigma in HIV/AIDS Research and Current Issues in Japan

Abstract

This paper offers an overview of the change in the concept and theory of stigma in HIV research and practice in order to clarify current issues in Japan. Previous studies were biased towards natural science; the social science approach to stigma was neglected. In terms of global research, however, stigma has been central concept and used as a measure in many studies. In recent years, stigma has been used as an indicator in participatory research in Japan and high levels of stigma have been noted.
In global research, practice has been principally developed in terms of syndemic theory and structural violence theory. In countries such as Haiti where poverty and violence are prevalent, the establishment of free clinics achieved an especially significant result in decreasing stigma. However, in Japan where the medical system is already well developed, stigma remains at a high level and another approach is necessary.
In the sociology of health and illness, there are a large number of theorists who present the social movements associated with HIV as an example of “life politics.” The movement to support the victims of HIV in the litigation over infection from tainted blood is a representative example of this in Japan. At the same,“ living politics” aiming to solve various problems of daily life on a smaller scale at the grass roots level has been particularly notable in East Asia in recent years. In relation to HIV in Japan, the birth of various CBOs （community based organizations） in the 1990s and the beginning of the “living together” projects in 2000s are examples of this. Furthermore, people diagnosed as HIV positive but currently below the detection level in blood tests have acquired a new identity as “undetectables” and this has led to a reduction of stigma in daily life. Further studies of the practice of “living politics” in stigma reduction will be one important issue in HIV research.