Activism, antiretroviral drugs and reshaping of the self as forms of biopolitical citizenship

Abstract

This article examines the intersection of activism, antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, and the reformation of the self as expressions of biopolitical citizenship. It explores the shift in HIV/AIDS activism from mere awareness and condom use to a direct engagement with the disease through increased HIV testing and treatment access. This transition, driven by the availability of ARV drugs, has led to the emergence of "therapeutic citizenship," where individuals' identities and societal roles are shaped by their health status and access to treatment.

The article discusses how ARV drugs have not only improved health outcomes but also fostered a form of social activism centered around the fight for medication access. This activism is linked to global inequalities, as the struggle for affordable ARVs highlights the complex dynamics of the global pharmaceutical industry and intellectual property laws. The paper also delves into the broader implications of this therapeutic activism, suggesting that it represents a form of modern biosociality, where social identities are increasingly tied to biological conditions and medical interventions. By analyzing the case of HIV in Africa, this article illustrates how therapeutic citizenship challenges traditional notions of identity and community, integrating biomedical advancements into the social fabric. This integration demonstrates how global health initiatives and local realities interact to reshape both individual lives and collective social structures.