The Ministry of Health of Jamaica, in its National HIV/STI Program (NHP), confirms that the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV ) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) doubled in women compared to men between the late 1990s and 2011 (Jamaica Ministry of Health, 2011). These statistics affirm that despite the increased general awareness brought by agencies like the NHP, other societal factors have influenced its spread among more women than men. Women's social vulnerability is linked to a cultural reluctance that views them as passive sexual objects, expected to perform any sexual act necessary for a man's gratification, for monetary or other gains, regardless of whether the man is engages in any activity that makes him or her more susceptible to HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS among Jamaican women has been attributed to women's high unemployment or economic dependence on male partners, cultural glorification of sex that stereotypes women as sex objects, and discrimination faced by women living with the virus. .Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay First, high rates of unemployment or economic dependence on male partners have led to an increase in HIV/ AIDS among Jamaican women. Although Jamaica is a matrifocal society, gender bias prevents women from obtaining well-paying jobs or, in some cases, they are paid significantly less than their male counterparts. Additionally, some women who have not received training or attained post-secondary or primary education struggle to obtain well-paid employment. As a result, some women may engage in prostitution to support themselves and their children, increasing their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Contradicting this belief, Figueroa et al (2008) stated that "many sex workers report that they do not like the job, but that it pays better than most other jobs they can do." , like domestic work, and they need money. money to care for their children (p. 569). This statement affirms women's social awareness of the great gender inequality that exists and the valuation of women as mere sexual objects, rather than as possible breadwinners to support and socialize the next generation. On the other hand, some women who are economically dependent on men and sexually promiscuous are often forced to engage in sexual acts to maintain their source of income. These women are sometimes abused sexually or otherwise by their male counterparts because they have no say in relationship matters. Additionally, many young women engage in intergenerational relationships, with older men for monetary and other incentives, and are prone to contracting the virus. Hickling, Gibson, Matthies, and Morgan (2015) highlighted that younger adolescent girls were three times more likely to contract HIV than to have sex with older men (p. 216). This highlights the “sugar daddy” phenomenon, where young girls engage in this “accepted form of prostitution”, thereby increasing their vulnerability to the virus. Second, the cultural glorification of sex and the perception of women as sexual objects increases women's vulnerability. contract HIV/AIDS. Popular cultureJamaican culture, influenced by the media, encourages women to engage in early sexual activity, to "find and keep a man", and most women who act on the basis of this endorsement are unaware of the negative implications of the sex and expose themselves to the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. . Forbes (2006) highlighted the sexually explicit dimension of dancehall culture, both in its lyrics and in its dance practices, which push women to be highly sexualized. This highlights that dancehall culture also socializes and reflects society which "encourages" women to offer themselves sexually to them. Appease their partner, whether "wife" or "mate", because that is the choice of the man to structure sexual relations. Consequently, risky sexual practices and attitudes are perceived as right and this cultural relay is transmitted despite numerous social interventions aimed at correcting existing sexual perceptions. Additionally, Jamaican popular culture encourages men to have multiple sexual partners without using a condom because it interferes with their sexual pleasure, thereby increasing women's vulnerability to contracting HIV/AIDS. Figueroa et al (2008) pointed out that despite the increased use of condoms among the population, women are often expected to stop using condoms after the first sexual interactions, as a sign of confidence, and older men sometimes don't use condoms because they do. don't know how to use it or think it will interfere with their erections (pp. 569). This helps explain the optional nature of condom use among Jamaicans, which poses a barrier to sexual pleasure with their partner. This is a societally ingrained perspective that the use of "rubber" can kill a man's sexual dominance, rather than a way to protect oneself and one's partner from sexually transmitted diseases . Women who refuse to adhere to prevailing sexual norms are often victims of sexual violence. The stipulated sexual docility of women gives men the right to obtain sex with any woman they choose, and if there is any form of sexual resistance, women are often sexually abused or raped. Postmodern culture often portrays sexual restraints as old-fashioned or even unnecessary, and women are seen as frigid or abnormal. Additionally, the accepted dress code for women, to announce their femininity, is seen by some as a justifiable excuse for why women are sexually abused. as they “ask”. This has negative physiological implications for women, who may be unaware of their attacker's HIV/AIDS status. Additionally, women who are sexually abused are seen as weak and, for fear of being ostracized, may refuse health care, increasing their risk of developing HIV/AIDS. Finally, the discrimination faced by women living with the virus discourages other women from knowing their HIV/AIDS status. HIV-positive women often face discrimination from health professionals, preventing them from seeking health care. Jamaica Aids Support for Life (2012) argued that “most HIV-positive women…are perceived to be judgmental attitudes of health workers towards them and reluctance of health care providers to listen to their concerns. » (p. 21) Many HIV-positive women fear the stigma and discrimination they may face in accessing health care, because.