Social Representations and the AIDS Field

Authors

  • Helene Joffe

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159//2309-8708/1998/n24a3

Abstract

Social representations theory is evaluated with a view to ascertaining the contribution it makes to the AIDS field. Utilising a primarily European body of research, the various processes involved in social representation formation, and the functions served by social representations, are explicated. Social representations theory's fundamental contribution to the AIDS field is to enhance understanding of how lay people make meaning of the epidemic. Rather than focusing on how individuals process information about risks, the concern is with group-based understandings of health issues. The impetus towards identity protection motivates, and informs the shape of, the social representations of AIDS which emerge in a particular group.

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Published

2026-01-21

How to Cite

Joffe, H. (2026). Social Representations and the AIDS Field. PINS-Psychology in Society, (24). https://doi.org/10.17159//2309-8708/1998/n24a3

Issue

No. 24 (1998)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Helene Joffe

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