Some psychological factors underlying the request for social isolation of Aids victims.

In recent years the question of isolating aids patients has been the focus of energetic debate. On the one hand, in order to control the epidemic, there is the call for measures which include mandatory registration, isolation, and exclusion from the work place of individuals who carry the AIDS virus. On the other hand, there is concern that such measures threaten basic human and constitutional rights. Psychologically, the call for isolation of AIDS virus carriers can be understood as an expression of fear of the disease due to the increasing risk of infection. But fear is not the only possible reason behind the demand for isolation. AIDS can be considered to be a sexually transmitted disease, primarily spread by homo- and bisexual males as well as by drug users and prostitutes. In either case, socially related prejudices and animosities directed towards these minorities may be an additional motivating factor stimulating the call for isolation of AIDS virus carriers.