Implementing a postcolonial feminist perspective in nursing research related to non‐Western populations

Abstract

In this article, I argue that implementing a postcolonial feminist perspective in nursing research transcends the limitations of modern cultural theories in exploring the health problems of non-Western populations. Providing nursing care in pluralist countries like Canada remains a challenge for nurses. First, nurses must reflect on their ethnic background and stereotypes that may impinge on the understanding of cultural differences. Second, dominant health ideologies that underpin nurses' everyday practice and the structural barriers that may constrain the utilization of public healthcare services by non-Western populations must be further examined. Postcolonial feminism is aimed at addressing health inequities stemming from social discriminative practices. I will draw on extant literature and data of an ongoing ethnography exploring the Haitian caregivers' ways of caring for ageing relatives at home to unveil how the larger social and cultural world has an impact on caregivers' everyday lives. Marginalized locations represent privileged sites from which health problems, intersecting with power, race, gender, and social classes, can be addressed. Postcolonial feminism provides the analytic lens to look at the impact of these factors in shaping health experiences. It also suggests redirecting nursing cultural research and practice to achieve social justice in the healthcare system.

Examining the climate for Aboriginal mothers in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs): an exploratory qualitative study about views of health care professionals

“…Gendering and racializing of the Canadian healthcare system are likely embedded in healthcare policies that overtly or subconsciously are tailored to Eurocentric cultural beliefs which largely ignore Aboriginal cultural beliefs (Racine, 2003). Matthews corroborated this notion in an article about Canadian Health Care when he asserted "contemporary health care contributes to assimilation" and that Canadian "health policy and health practice continue to erode Indigenous cultural identities" (2016, E78).…”

“…For instance, critical feminist theories recognize the complex interplay between 'culture' and the social world (Racine, 2003).…”

“…Deploying post-colonial feminist approaches may enable better recognition of these discriminatory variables (Racine, 2003). My research intentionally engaged a feminist postcolonial framework, and I was deeply conscious of gendering and racialization when I was writing reflective field notes.…”

“…After conducting qualitative interviews, researchers found that Aboriginal mothers felt judged, disrespected, and misunderstood by the paternalistic attitudes of mainstream health care providers towards their identities as Aboriginal mothers (Van Herk et al, 2011). This study CLIMATE OF NICUs FOR ABORIGINAL MOTHERS 31 demonstrates how important attitudes of health care providers are, and how they can impact Aboriginal mothers.Gendering and racializing of the Canadian healthcare system are likely embedded in healthcare policies that overtly or subconsciously are tailored to Eurocentric cultural beliefs which largely ignore Aboriginal cultural beliefs (Racine, 2003). Matthews corroborated this notion in an article about Canadian Health Care when he asserted "contemporary health care contributes to assimilation" and that Canadian "health policy and health practice continue to erode Indigenous cultural identities" (2016, E78).…”

“…Matthews corroborated this notion in an article about Canadian Health Care when he asserted "contemporary health care contributes to assimilation" and that Canadian "health policy and health practice continue to erode Indigenous cultural identities" (2016, E78). Indeed, discrimination based on race and gender has been found to contribute to the adverse health status in Aboriginal peoples in Canada.Deploying post-colonial feminist approaches may enable better recognition of these discriminatory variables (Racine, 2003). My research intentionally engaged a feminist postcolonial framework, and I was deeply conscious of gendering and racialization when I was writing reflective field notes.…”