title: Civic/sanctuary orientation and HIV involvement among Chinese immigrant religious institutions in New York City.
abstract: Using data from a study of Chinese immigrant religious institutions in New York City (primarily Christian and Buddhist), this paper explores why some religious institutions are more inclined than others to be involved in HIV-related work. Although numerous factors are likely to play a role, we focus on organisations' differing views on social engagement as an explanatory factor. We hypothesise that religious institutions that value social engagement ('civic') will be more inclined towards HIV/AIDS involvement than those that are more inward focused ('sanctuary'). Given that many religious institutions are fundamentally defined by their stance on the appropriateness of social engagement, better understanding of this key characteristic may help to inform community and government organisations aiming to increase religious institutions' involvement in HIV/AIDS-related work. Our analysis suggests that some organisations may be less interested in taking on the challenges of working in HIV/AIDS because of their general view that churches or temples should not be socially engaged. On the other hand, religious institutions that have concerns about social acceptability, fear of infection or lack of capacity--but generally embrace social engagement--may be more open to partnering on HIV/AIDS-related work because of their overriding community service orientation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, USA. john.chin@hunter.cuny.edu
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Chin
authors.forename: Min Ying
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Ezer
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Elana
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Behar
authors.forename: Po Chun
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D044466:Asian People; D002016:Buddhism; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D002835:Christianity; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D015279:Organizational Culture; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012068:Religion and Medicine