Notes for an immanent and depersonalized care. Between the management of HIV and of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

This article explores the normalization of care driven by the management of two epidem- ics in Colombia: HIV and SARS-CoV-2. Parallel to this, it provides elements for a different care that has and would have as traits its immanence —which I also name inhabiting— and its depersonal- ized dimension. To do this, I trace the procedures by which state institutions claim a monopoly on the management of epidemic; there, I delve into the particular obedience they request and the obstacle that this is to inhabit a different care. Later, I will stop at what I call “virus pathologiza- tion”, exploring some of its features and the political effects it would bring, especially the building of securitized care. Finally, I will focus on the alliance between biopower and capital, which takes its best expression in the famous dilemma “economy or life”. That dilemma exposes that biopoliti- cal protection life is a “make produce” too.