Author

Andrew Lanser

Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Dean, Erin

Area of Concentration

Anthropology

Abstract

This anthropological study explores the presence of ‘community’ within HIV related communities of the Sarasota area through ethnographic research with HIV service providers. ‘Community’ is a concept frequently discussed within the framework of communities inordinately affected by HIV but rarely explored through perspectives of professionals in HIV care and outreach. In adopting the later perspective, community is presented as evidencing itself in the form of (1) communities most at risk of HIV infection; (2) ‘community’ among HIV service providers; (3) ‘community’ among people living with HIV; and (4) community-oriented HIV outreach. Aside from the commonality of ‘community’ across informant conversations, persistent reference to the influence of hegemonic powers in maintaining HIV’s stronghold across the United States’ most vulnerable populations is presented as a major topic of discussion.

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