Burnout as a social pathology in nursing professionals: an analysis based on the theory of recognition

This is a reflexive article on burnout syndrome, founded on the theory of moral recognition from a historical and social framework, in order to design strategies to cope with burnout as a socio-cultural problem in the context of nursing. This theoretical reflection was developed using studies intentionally selected from the literature, especially the theories of recognition by Honnet and Fraser, and the historical analysis of nursing care proposed by Colliere. Burnout consists of a social pathology, its socio-historical factors connote lack of recognition of care and of nurses as such. This problem affects the shaping of a professional identity and leads to loss of the socioeconomic value of care. Therefore, in order to cope with burnout, it is necessary to achieve better recognition of care and of the nursing profession, not only from the economic point of view but also from the socio-cultural one, making nurses resume their social participation and free themselves from domination and disrespect, in order to contribute to social formation. Mutual recognition crosses the individuality of each subject, enabling communication with the others based on recognition of oneself.