The AIDS Hit: The transformation of AIDS victims' economic lives in the Champaign/Urbana communities
This research focuses on the AIDS epidemic and its impact on Champaign and Urbana's residents' economic lives. The force of this disease has been felt around the world and now its impact has even reached mid-sized American towns such as these twin cities. The AIDS virus has not only impacted people's social lives, but economic living as well. Studying AIDS in cities such as Champaign-Urbana makes the research seem applicable to all living in the area or in areas of similar magnitude. Majority of the research previously conducted had focused on large metropolitan areas or cities recognized for their high prevalence of AIDS cases. Using average American towns allows the "average" citizen to relate the disease to his/her daily life. Many factors have influenced the higher AIDS rate in these cities. Looking at the student population of 38,645, which makes up much of the cities' population, as well as the structure of this blue-collar working town, one can understand why AIDS would be so prevalent. This area finds many homeless, drug-addicts, street-workers, as well as misguided youth and economically speaking, AIDS has devastated people's lives. Whether it be the services available to these victims or the type of aid available to them, society has taken a discriminatory view of these people and has further complicated their troubled lives. Despite high medication costs, victims now have to endure the critical eye of insurance companies and their hesitance to provide support to such needy customers. Along with this, many victims find themselves looking for new jobs. Reasons behind this may be employers' knowledge of their medical condition or simply inability to keep working due to a lack in stamina and strength. All these combined factors play into the lives of AIDS victims and impact their economic state of living more than society would ever fathom.
School:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department:
Economics
Research Advisor:
Fred Gottheil
Department of Research Advisor:
Economics
Year of Publication:
2003