Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
Today young adults are contracting HIV more rapidly than virtually any period during the past two decades. Young women, particularly those who are black and Latina, are bearing the brunt of this 'new wave' of infection. Putting Risk in Perspective explores the many factors associated with HIV infection among young black women. HIV infection often occurs as a result of high risk behavior. Understanding what causes a young woman to take sexual and reproductive risks requires a consideration of the kinds of life issues she faces. Drawing on ethnographic study and interviews, Renée T. White introduces to the reader many young women who are dealing with economic pressures, family relationships, dating and courtship, intimate relationship issues, and questions of sexual identity. These along with the mythology surrounding HIV and AIDS_and knowledge about contraception_influence whether or not a black teenager will engage in risky activity. This powerful book shows why the fight against AIDS must incorporate a commitment to improving the social and economic opportunities available to young black women.
Editorials
Journal Of HIV/Aids Prevention and Education
White's work goes beyond a mere identification of the issue of condom negotiation. She explores poverty, social class, parental relationships, friends and community role models as contributing factors in the development of sexual attidues and behaviors of Black adolescent females. It is a valuable tool as a reader for social work, nursing, education, psychology, medicine and other human services students.Qualitative Sociology
Putting Risk in Perspective is a powerful, thought-provoking book that examines one of the most challenging problems confronting young black female Americans today—their increasing risk of infection from HIV.White's book does succeed on many levels. First, it points to the importance of the relative meaning of the risk. Secondly, she bases her analyses largely on the assumption that racial identity and social class affect sexual and reproductive behavior. Third, her research provides compelling evidence that efforts to reduce "poverty and inequality would immediately diminish the new cases of HIV infection among young women who are poor."
— Carrie E. Foote-Ardah