GEOGRAPHIES OF AIDS IN SINGAPORE: DISCOURSES, (MIS)CONCEPTIONS AND EMBODIED EXPERIENCES

Abstract

The broad aim of this thesis is to understand the impact of HIV/AIDS in Singapore through the lens of geographical concepts such as 'bodies as space' and 'moral geographies'. A number of research techniques, such as discourse analysis, in-depth interviews, anonymous questionnaire surveys and archival research, are used. I focus on four main issues related to HIV/AIDS in Singapore, the various emerging discourses on the illness, and the socio-spatial implications underlying HIV/AIDS as embodied experiences. First, the pattern and processes of HIV seropositivity in Singapore is described, taking into consideration various social, economic and demographic factors. Second, I examine the dominant state and socio-cultural discourses that surround the HIV-positive and elucidate how these discourses attempt to make Singaporean bodies 'docile' by encouraging 'safer sex' practices. Some discourses also (re)present and (re)construct HIV-positive bodies as 'deviant' bodies creating 'dis-ease' and therefore requiring regulation. Third, the complex microgeographies of PLWHA are studied via their multiple coping strategies of using cyberspace, selective disclosure and 'safer sex' practices to negotiate and resist the hegemonic state and public discourses. Their everyday embodied socio-spatial experiences and abilities to lead meaningful and positive (optimistic) lives are highlighted. Fourth, I examine the moralities and (mis)conceptions of Singaporeans about HIV/AIDS/PLWHA from the viewpoints of volunteers, medical staff, employers who work with PLWHA and the general public. These different perceptions have diverse spatial implications. The public show gradations in their comfort level in sharing spaces with PLWHA ranging from a qualified willingness to total avoidance. Finally, in terms of civil society response and activism, individuals and organisations help PLWHA in a number of ways - by providing 'space' for PLWHA to interact, by integrating them socio-spatially into the workplace, and through advocacy work in protecting their rights. This thesis thus provides polyvocality on geographies of AIDS in Singapore by offering insights into various discourses, (mis)conceptions and (dis)embodied experiences.