MADELEINE LEININGER THEORY OF TRANSCULTURAL NURSING   pt3     1200w

Philosophical ideology

That is, as Leininger (1995) discusses the importance of understanding the ‘others’ perspective Rajan (1995) contends that, Leininger demonstrates a phenomenological approach (p.452). Moreover, “within the existential -phenomenological philosophy, human beings are viewed as subjects rather than objects” (Rajan, 1995, pg. 452). Leininger (1995) also communicates the importance of being aware of not providing care from an ethnocentric perspective, which is also supported by this philosophy (Rajan, 1995). In addition, the existential perspective acknowledges that culture is derived from values and meanings that contribute to the total being (Rajan, 1995). Rajan (1995) explains that existentialism “gives an account of how an individual consciousness apprehends existence” (p. 452). I believe this particular philosophy is reflective of Leininger’s perspective, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. Leininger acknowledges that the reason she met opposition regarding her theory was as a result of nursing adhering to the medical model which only valued the biophysical and the psychological aspects of humans (Leininger, 1995). However, Leininger realized that there was more to consider, as Crowell supports by acknowledging that although existentialism does not disregard the medical model, it recognizes that it does not completely account for all human existence (2010).

In addition, I think that Leininger’s theory may also be perceived as liberal, humanist perspective (Campesino, 2008). “A humanist perspective emphasizes notions of equality and individual freedom, and operates on an assumption of human commonality among people” (Campesino, 2008, p. 299). This is true of Leininger’s work, for she conveys the importance of culturally appropriate caring in order to meet the needs of other cultures (Leininger, 1995). Leininger (1995) also discusses not only differences between cultures but the need to discover the similarities as well. The liberal humanistic perspective is also perceived as potentially creating problems (Campesino, 2008). That is, if one fails to examine the power differences within the social categories or cultures then it is possible to potentate these differences. This power imbalance is discussed in depth within critical theory (Campesino, 2008). Critical