108 Book Reviews view portrayed of the role of the church in AIDS-related activities. Diversity of practices abound even in the Catholic Church and one fundamental Christian organisation has recently gone so far as to say that distributing condoms to people at risk of getting HIV is an important component of a Christian-based mv prevention programme (MAP, 1993). Major paradigm changes concerning AIDS are taking place amongst church groups; as the epidemic unfolds over the next decade, we are likely to see large numbers of church volunteers involved in pre- vention, homecare and orphan support activities. Inthe chapter on mv avoidance, a large section is devoted to condom use and non-penetrative sexual activities, which latter are acknowledged to be rarely practised in Zimbabwe; by contrast, the practices of pre-marital abstinence and marital faithfulness get short shrift from Jackson. This is surprising, given the fact that the latter strategy is advocated by most agencies in Zimbabwe. A more balanced discussion of abstinence-faithfulness strategies and description of peer education methods which have led to partner-reduction behaviour change by individuals and communities would be more helpful. This book is meant especially for professionals who are being affected directly or indirectly by AIDS. It is almost certain that even the most well-informed AIDS worker will learn something useful from this superb single-author overview of AIDS and AIDS action. Will the book lead to "AIDS Action Now" as its title suggests? Certainly it will. The book represents an excellent introduction to anyone contemplating involvement in AIDS activity in sub-Saharan Africa. Reference MAP International and Christian Health Association of Kenya (1993) "Learning about AIDS in Kenya: a Guide for community trainers", in Facts and feelings about AIDS, Volume 1, MAP, Nairobi, Kenya. Reviewed by Dr Geoff Foster, Director, Family AIDS Caring Trust (FACT), Mutare, Zimbabwe. MjljIler,Valerie Quality of Life in Unemployment, HSRC/University of Natal, Pretoria, 1993, ISBN 0-7969-1352-8, xiv+ 248pp, (p/b). No price listed. Valerie Mjljllercombines qualitative and quantitative data which was gathered in in South Africa. The outcome is an easily acces- areas of chronic unemployment sible analysis which will have immediate relevance to readers in countries with developing or developed economies. Social development workers, planners and social workers all have good reason for welcoming this study. They will be encouraged by the essentially optimistic tone of the findings, but they may also be discomforted to find themselves put on the spot by its' conclusions. Book Reviews 109 The study sets out to test Marie Jahoda' s 1982 'Deprivation' model where the victim of unemployment not only experiences the material loss of income, but additionally suffers from the loss of' Access to Categories of Experiences' (ACE). These ACE categories are: time structure; social contact beyond the family; par- ticipation in collective purpose; status and identity; and the enforcement of regular activity. The model shows how ACE provides an essential contact with reality. The loss of employment undermines our grip on it and this study explores the effects of this deprivation. M~l1er accepts refmements and criticisms of the Jahoda thesis, but she constructs her study such that the people's subjective reactions will be the test of the theory. The outcome is a detailed analysis of the quality of life of the unemployed. The unemployed experience severe loss in their own perception of life's satis- factions. Despite their overwhelming desire to seek and get back into employment, after some time without work they begin to assume that they lack some of the essential qualities that would enable them to resume a productive life. Those with luck, education, or a desperate dependence on employment, are those thought most likely to stave off unemployment. Those lacking sufficient of these qualities may, in the last resort, be driven to crime or other non-sanctioned activities in order to survive. Essentially, the unemployed see themselves as victims of economic mis- fortune and they strive to make the most of their situation. Contrary to the central thesis of deprivation, these subjects did not experience extreme negativity such as despair. They recognised many of the qualities ofloss within their new situation. Aspects oflife such as status, friendships, opportunity and direction were all diminished and missed. Nevertheless, many do not believe that all is lost. 'Busy work' (activities: exercise routines, work-seeking activities, domestic chores and maintaining friendship networks) keep the forces of social disintegration at bay. Despite extreme poverty as the consequence of prolonged and the absence of relief payments, the majority contrive to get by unemployment without recourse to ruthless behaviour. Their sense of belonging to society is powerful and their acknowledgement of dependence on family and friends is both a source of hope and embarrassment to them. Material deprivation and social stigma puts pressure on them to sink into criminality or veniality, but there are few services to whom they can turn for guidance or support. Work, of any nature is seen as being preferable to unemployment. The instrumental benefit of income outweighs all else. Few see the benefits of being freed by unemployment from the constraints of paid work. Many feel that self- employment is just an increase in the risk factor. Poorly paid work, if steady, is preferable. At the beginning of this book, M~l1er discusses theoretical models of unem- ployment and the relative merits of programmes which might alleviate it She cites van der Merwe' s studies (1982{3) which classify various forms of institutional re- 110 Book Reviews to playa and their resilience under extreme pressure. and alerts the reader sponse to unemployment. MS'Sllerappraises their effectiveness their to the desire of the unemployed interven- resourcefulness tion must enhance their economic prospects. Dead-end prospects will be quickly exposed and discredited. Unless the cooperation there is little prospect of interven- tion programmes of the unemployed can be enlisted, their spirits as well as improve role. She highlights being successful. full economic and uplift Successful four measures which would improve the quality of For those hoping to offer real support to the unemployed, MS'Sllerlists, in conclusion, life of the unemployed. this list will prove instructive: (1) (2) (3) (4) to reduce the severity of social-psychological Poverty must be relieved and the social situation of the person must be strengthened deprivation. The unemployed need to be re-educated to undo the ill-effects of shame and the alienation of stigmatisation. for the person the greatest The family provides while unemployed. net- It helps to sustain the normality of community works and the full social integration of the individual. Charitable hand-outs and other distortions The efforts of the unemployed must be supported. Mutual support and solidarity mechanisms which reduce isolation and reinforce positive images are vital for sustaining personal morale. to resist personal blame for this situation to pride and status should be avoided. social and moral support It is the young unemployed that need special attention. Their social identity is less established and they often lack the attributes which the experience of work and their lives out of work. They are its routine brings to assist vulnerable coupled with high energy and fewer ties to convention, places this group in the high risk category. to falling behind as the labour market changes. Frustration, them in structuring the direction of economic they demonstrate influence access to influence, They are often the only agents who have the insights would give credibility to meaningful strengthen their hand. to investment. But, too often, when they have lack of resolve when it comes to taking a lead. life which to strategies. MS'Sllerprovides into community the evidence power Regrettably, social planners and social workers lack the institutional for these other economies MS'Sller'sstudy is timely fora newly democratic South Africa. It is also pertinent in the North as well as in the South, which to attack it The deserve that the insights which this study provides are put to work for and relevant are beset with mass unemployment unemployed the common good. and a poverty of strategies Reviewed by Mr S T G Clarke, Lecturer in Applied Social Studies, University College, Swansea.