Analysis of Social Vulnerability and Gender in the Dyad Migration and HIV/AIDS among Yucatan Maya Women

Abstract

This article describes and analyzes a series of social conditions, both mate- rial and symbolic, in the lives of Mayan women with migrant partners, which create situations of social and gender vulnerability that increase their potential of acqui- ring HIV/AIDS. It analyzes the women’s access to education and healthcare, their system of beliefs, meanings, and practices in relation to their body, their sexuality and family life, as well as their knowledge and understanding about HIV/AIDS, their transmission mechanisms and forms of prevention. It concludes by analyzing the women’s risk perception of HIV/AIDS and the daily forms of self-care they employ to prevent STDs. This information should be useful for envisioning relevant and effective intervention strategies for prevention purposes, which target Mayan wo- men with migrant partners.