The study sought to evaluate the role of men in HIV and AIDS management in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, Harare, Mbare Congregation. in a society where men are seen as strong in terms of masculinity, gender and economical issues their role in mitigating against HIV and AIDS is questionable as in many cases they are viewed as the main drivers of the disease. Several governments, Non Governmental Organization and Faith Based Organization has made it clear of their commitment to towards the education, treatment and care and eradication of the pandemic. this also calls in the role of the church as an organization to determine what role does it play on mitigation.An analysis of data collected suggests that there is need for the church to engage its congregants to more information in HIV and AIDS awareness through its teachings. However there is need to train the pastors first before they are ordained and sent out to work with parishioners and congregants.
The researcher recommended the introduction of training of pastors in HIV and AIDS issues and that man as decision makers should also be involved in caring, and all management and mitigation issues in relation to HIV and AIDS issues.
Table of Contents
1. Chapter 1
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background of study and problem statement
1.3 Activities of churches in HIV/AIDS
1.4 Role of men in HIV/AIDS
1.5 Men’s involvement in care and support
1.6 Research aim
1.7 Research objective
1.8 Hypothesis
1.9 Research questions
2. Chapter 2
2.1 Literature review
2.2 National HIV/AIDS policy 1999 document
2.2.1 Multi-sectoral approach to HIV/AIDS and problems
2.2.2 Upholding of human rights
2.3 Lack of clear theology on HIV/AIDS
2.4 Lack of training in psychological counseling for pastors
2.5 Lack of focus in the provision of care
2.6 Lack of capacity in resources to allow for an alternate approach to care
2.7 The education gaps
2.8 Knowledge on sexuality
2.9 Holistic pastoral training
2.10 Capacity building for care givers
2.11 Exposure to local cultural values
2.12 Holistic care for the affected and infected
2.13 Fighting stigmatization
2.14 Financial support for medical care
2.15 Social support-support groups
2.16 HIV/AIDS and development
3. Chapter 3
3.1 research design
4. Chapter 4
Data analysis, presentation and interpretation
5. Chapter 5
Discussion, conclusion and recommendation
5.1 Discussion
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Further studies
Research Goals and Themes
The primary aim of this research is to investigate the role of men within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ), specifically at the Mbare Congregation, regarding their involvement in HIV and AIDS management. The study seeks to identify existing gaps in the church's response and propose pastoral strategies to improve mobilization and care.
- Evaluation of men's involvement in HIV and AIDS care and support.
- Identification of theological and educational gaps in the church's HIV/AIDS response.
- Analysis of the intersection between cultural norms, masculinity, and HIV prevention.
- Assessment of current pastoral counseling and support structures within the church.
- Development of strategies to improve church-led HIV/AIDS mitigation and management.
Excerpt from the Book
1.4 Role of men in HIV/AIDS management
Men are influenced by cultural norms regarding manhood, some of which are very negative in the context of HIV and AIDS for social, cultural and economic reasons, (Dube, 2003). Man are often in a stronger position in a relationship with women, this gives them more control in deciding when, how and where to have sex as well as whether or not to use condoms. Because of their position man can be good advocates for behavioral change and social responsibility. Attitudes, tradition and culture affect men’s sexual behavior as in most cultures boys and men do have more sexual partners as compared to girls and women. Some traditions can result in increased rate of HIV and AIDS infection. And this include polygamy, circumcision, inheritance, tattooing.
The concept of masculinity differs from one society to the other, depending on the socio-cultural situation. It is defined as a set of attributes, values, functions and behaviors that are considered normal conditions of men in a given culture, (Geissler, 2004). In most societies masculinity is culturally constructed. The socialization of boys and men regarding sexuality is one of the areas of masculinities that are of major concern to day, in face of the HIV/AIDS, especially in Africa. Most men and boys are socialized to believe that they are entitled to have sex and that it is natural to have many partners. Boys and men are socialized to believe that sex is their right and that they are entitled to it whenever they want it, (Wainaina, 2006). Girls are socialized to be submissive, service oriented and self-sacrificial. They grow up believing it is their duty to serve and satisfy men. Some women believe the lie that it is natural for men to have many partners or to exercise power over them. Even when they know their partners are involved in risky behavior, they lack the power to negotiate safe sex and to say no to irresponsible men. Polygamy is an accepted norm by both women and men in many societies; and multiple partners are justified as a form of informal polygamy.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1: Provides the background and problem statement regarding the HIV/AIDS pandemic, specifically focusing on the role of men and the church's response.
Chapter 2: Reviews the literature on HIV/AIDS policies, theology, education, and social support, highlighting gaps in the current response of the church.
Chapter 3: Describes the quantitative research design and methodology used to gather data at the ELCZ Mbare congregation.
Chapter 4: Presents the data collected from questionnaires regarding the involvement and knowledge of men in the church concerning HIV/AIDS.
Chapter 5: Discusses the research findings, concludes the study, and provides recommendations for improved HIV/AIDS management within the church.
Keywords
HIV, AIDS, ELCZ, Mbare Congregation, masculinity, pastoral care, HIV/AIDS management, church response, behavior change, stigmatization, counseling, theology, education gaps, reproductive health, community care
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
This research evaluates the role of men in HIV and AIDS management within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, specifically focusing on the Mbare Congregation.
What are the primary themes of the study?
The central themes include male involvement in care and support, the impact of cultural norms on masculinity, the role of the church in health education, and the identification of pastoral and economic gaps in addressing the pandemic.
What is the specific research aim?
The aim is to investigate the role of men in the ELCZ regarding HIV and AIDS management and to suggest pastoral strategies for improvement.
Which methodology does the author utilize?
The study employs a quantitative research approach, utilizing questionnaires administered to male members of the church to gather empirical data.
What is addressed in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the history of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the literature surrounding pastoral theology, the current educational and counseling gaps, and an analysis of survey results from the congregation.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include HIV, AIDS, ELCZ, masculinity, pastoral care, church response, behavior change, stigmatization, counseling, and reproductive health.
How does the author define the 'pastoral gap'?
The author identifies pastoral gaps as the lack of trained personnel for home and hospital visits and the absence of adequate counseling training for pastors to handle HIV/AIDS cases effectively.
Why does the church struggle with HIV/AIDS initiatives?
The church faces challenges such as the silence surrounding sexuality, a lack of clear theology to address the epidemic without stigma, and insufficient material resources to provide comprehensive support.
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- Munyaradzi Shoko (Autor:in), 2011, The role of men in HIV and AIDS Management, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/182199
