Thesis (MTh (Theology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Stigma is a social-identity devaluation due to a characteristic mark or feature. It imposes a
discredited status, resulting in personal/social rejection and suffering. As a psychosocial
construction, stigma reflects a systemic influence, as determined by the history and
characteristics of the individual's psychological and social environment.
This study explores the nature, variations, development, functions, processes, and
justification of stigma and stigmatisation. It reflects on the experiential context of
HIV/AIDS stigma/stigmatisation from the perspective of both the stigmatiser and
stigmatised. Accounting for HIV/AIDS stigma are factors such as concealability, the
unpredictability of infection, its terminal nature, and visible manifestations. The result is
the multi-faceted suffering of internalised and external stigma, manifested by the
prejudice, rejection, ostracism, discrimination, and condemnation of people infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS.
An assessment of HIV/AIDS destigmatisation found that it represents a recent
development in the struggle against the pandemic. Destigmatisation interventions have
been mostly ineffective because they lack a systems approach. Destigmatisation
interventions must be developed with cognisance of the societal context, cultural
impediments, major causes and problems of the pandemic.
It was argued and concluded that theology can play a major role in combating HIV/AIDS
stigma and stigmatisation. Scripture provides both knowledge and existential direction to
inform HIV/AIDS destigmatisation. Stigmatisation is sin because it robs the human being
- as created in the image of God, reconciled, and redeemed through the cross and
resurrection - from his God-endowed dignity and worth. A theology of HIV/AIDS,
including a theology of affirmation and an inhabitational theology, is required to
adequately address HIV/AIDS stigmatisation and destigmatisation. A theology of
affirmation is appropriate because it confirms the eschatological ontology of the human
being as a new creation, with a new, stigma-freed identity and status. An inhabitational
theology reflects triumph over stigma through the empowerment of the indwelling Spirit.
It was concluded that both a theology of the cross (reflecting the passion and compassion of God) and a theology of the resurrection is needed. A theology of the cross reveals our
human condition of sin, guilt and guilt feelings, but also God's grace, our salvation,
forgiveness and reconciliation. A theologia resurrectionis emphasises the power of God
over sin, results in the transformation of the believer, which enables empowerment
through the Spirit - who infuses the believer with courage, meaning, purpose, dignity and
self-worth. Stigmatisation has made way for self-worth, victory, and charisma.
The study concluded that the church has a major role to play in the destigmatisation of
HIV/AIDS stigma. The church should contribute to the deconstruction of power and
counter systemic injustices. Its should follow a holistic, systems approach, involving the
proclamation of a theology of life, practicing pastoral care, participate in the missio Dei,
and exhibiting a normative basis regarding destigmatisation interventions - especially
with regard to marriage, gender and sex education. It should fulfil its calling of service,
participate in the home-based care of the HIV/AIDS infected and affected (including
children), and demonstrate the resurrection identity of hope and empowerment, as enabled
by the Holy Spirit.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/2801 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Heymans, Frederik J. |
| Contributors | Louw, D. J., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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