Unique in its comprehensive coverage, authoritative breadth, and focus on the sociological (rather than the biomedical and behavioral) issues of HIV/AIDS, this collection of readings highlights the human consequences of the disease—both for groups and for established social structures. In relatively nontechnical articles that are accessible to a broad range and level of students, it addresses three specific dimensions of HIV/AIDS crisis—transmission, outreach for infected and affected, and the social implications of the disease—and explores the ways that different groups—e.g., the medical and legal professions, the state, the health care industry, families, and scientists—interact as a result of the AIDS crisis. Students are thus exposed to the full range of social, cultural, historical, policy, and economic issues surrounding the HIV/AIDS crisis.