Social enquiry and HIV/AIDS

Nearly a decade and a half into the AIDS epidemic, there are reasons for cautious optimism, both in relation to prevention and care, and with respect to the capacity of social enquiry to make a meaningful contribution to the development of programmes and interventions. This paper offers a critical review of some of the ways in which social enquiry has contributed to a better understanding of the epidemic and its dynamics, and has informed prevention efforts. Social science research is reviewed at three levels: the individual, the dyad and the community. The focus is on studies conducted in Europe and North America concerning the sexual transmission of HIV. Lacunae and priorities for future research are identified at each level. The review concludes with reflections on the relationship between social enquiry on HIV/AIDS and that in other health fields, and on personal involvement and alliances in HIV-related social enquiry.