Illness and Inequality: Lived Experiences of HIV-Positive Women and Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities in Muzaffargarh, South Punjab

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of HIV-positive married women of Muzaffargarh in South Punjab, Pakistan. The focus of the current paper is on the social and economic conditions of the HIV-positive women of South Punjab. This qualitative study uses the phenomenological research design. This study takes the ontological position of interpretivism and epistemological position of social constructivism. The theoretical lens of stigma theory is used to analyze data. Six interviews were conducted with married HIV-positive women who were selected purposely from HIV treatment center in Muzaffargarh. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and data analysis was done using thematic analysis. The study findings revealed social exclusion and economic marginalization of HIV-positive women of Muzaffargarh. The overarching themes from thematic analysis were economic dependency, social exclusion and gendered economic roles. The study showed how the structural arrangements in South Punjab amplify the consequences of living with HIV.