The mothers: disputing health-illness status and cultural authority in the age of AIDS

• Grant number: 23/02752-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Effective date (Start): July 30, 2023
• Effective date (End): July 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Sociology - Sociology of Health
• Principal Investigator: Lilia Blima Schraiber
• Grantee: João Paulo Ferreira da Silva
• Supervisor: Laia Becares
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Research place: King's College London, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/07737-5 - Causa-mortis: the language of pathology in AIDS obituaries (1982-2000), BP.PD

Abstract

During the first two decades of the HIV-AIDS epidemic, the high rates of early deaths among people of different age groups were accompanied by increasing demands involving long-term care and social support. In this research project, we examine the emergence of caregivers' groups formed by mothers, health professionals and patients, in the 1980s-1990s London. Specifically, we analyse narratives about health-disease from a collective care agenda established by middle-aged and elderly mothers dealing with the challenges and needs of adult children and people with moderate and high degrees of dependence. In collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, at King's College London, the project focus on HIV/AIDS archives, studying and carrying out in-depth analysis of historical materials related to the CARES group mostly, established in London in 1990s, and the London Lighthouse. The project also aims to collect and analyse other materials related to HIV/AIDS groups organised and/or formed by women, mothers, and caregivers in England, in the 1980s and 1990s. The research design is qualitative, and is based on documentary research primarily. In methodological terms, three complementary aims are highlighted: (i) to establish a comparative documental research, considering archives previously collected at Harvard, from the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger library related to the Mothers of Patients with AIDS group, in New York, US - and the Florence Rush collection, particularly (FAPESP, 2019/10677-4; 2017/23665-9); (ii) develop fieldwork in order to collect historic and descriptive data related to HIV/AIDS and LGBT+ people in London, groups, private funds and agencies that have supported research, nucleus and specialized centres, involvement with social movements for human rights etc.; and (iii) participate in activities, seminars and research meetings at King's College London. The project aims to contribute internationally to the history of the AIDS epidemic, illuminating narratives and historical archives that dealt with marginalised communities in the 1980s and 1990s, under the lens of mothers/caregivers, key actors during the sexual panic of AIDS. (AU)