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Being and doing politics: an outdated model or 21st century reality?

Carnegie, Elaine; Kiger, Alice

Authors

Alice Kiger



Abstract

Aim.  This paper presents a discussion of how critical social theory can be used as a tool for research, reflection and exploration of the political role of the nurse.

Background.  Sociological theory can be used to examine ideologies within nursing systems in order to contribute to the future development of the profession. The importance of critical social theory has been identified in the literature as being directly relevant to holism which is central to the nature of nursing.

Data sources.  Texts published in English were identified from 1990 to 2008 using the keywords critical social theory, community nursing, political advocacy, social justice, sociological theory, health inequalities, health democracy, equity and inequality.

Discussion.  Critical social theory can be used as a tool to highlight ethical ways to practise nursing. One reason for examination of the community nurse’s political role is a shift in focus from the individual as patient to communities experiencing health inequalities. Nursing needs to decide whether the profession will work at the political level, and where advocacy and citizenship are located within a community role.

Conclusion.  Nurse educators must prepare nurses for political participation, and nurse managers need to focus on national and local contexts in order to encourage policy analysis and community engagement within nursing practice. An understanding of critical social theory can aid decision-making in relation to global and local policy, enable the nursing profession to respond to social injustice, and permit nurses to work with communities in the pursuit of community health.

Citation

Carnegie, E., & Kiger, A. (2009). Being and doing politics: an outdated model or 21st century reality?. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(9), 1976-1984. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05084.x

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 15, 2009
Online Publication Date Aug 7, 2009
Publication Date 2009-09
Deposit Date Sep 14, 2016
Journal Journal of Advanced Nursing
Print ISSN 0309-2402
Electronic ISSN 1365-2648
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 65
Issue 9
Pages 1976-1984
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05084.x
Keywords community nursing; critical social theory; health inequalities; political advocacy; politics; social justice; sociological theory
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/381132