Crosscurrents: against cultural narration in nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Nurses are historically described as an oppressed group, lacking self-esteem, autonomy, and power.
• The cultural narrative in nursing often portrays nurses as subordinate, contributing to feelings of oppression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the emergence of horizontal violence within nursing.
• To understand horizontal violence as an expression of power resulting from unexpressed conflict.
• To examine the role of nursing education in perpetuating oppression.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of theories of reflective practice.
• Examination of critical theory and transformational learning models.

Main Results:

• Horizontal violence in nursing may stem from unexpressed conflict within an oppressed group.
• The nursing educational system may reinforce oppression by aligning with cultural narratives.
• Nurses require empowerment to counteract these narratives.

Conclusions:

• Transformational learning, grounded in critical theory, offers a pathway for emancipatory action in nursing.
• Empowering nurses is crucial to challenge oppressive structures and promote positive change.
• Addressing horizontal violence requires understanding its roots in oppression and implementing strategies for empowerment.