THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality

Developed by nursing theorist Madeleine Leininger, it focuses on

understanding and providing culturally congruent care to individuals from diverse

cultural backgrounds. This theory emphasizes the importance of recognizing and

respecting cultural differences while also identifying underlying commonalities in care

practices. The goal of the theory is to improve and provide culturally congruent care

to people—care that is beneficial and useful to the client, family, or culture group

(Leininger, 1991b). As male nursing students interact with diverse patients and

colleagues in the obstetrics ward, their experiences may involve navigating different

cultural norms, beliefs, and practices related to childbirth and maternal care.

Understanding these cultural nuances can influence their perspectives on patient

care and shape their interactions. The Theory of Culture Care Diversity and

Universality provides a relevant and comprehensive framework for understanding

how male nursing students' lived experiences and perspectives in the obstetrics

ward are influenced by cultural factors, and how they navigate the balance between

cultural diversity and universal aspects of care. It encourages an exploration of both

the unique and shared dimensions of care in this particular healthcare setting.

Social constructivism

A social learning theory developed by Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky. It

explains that we acquire knowledge through the means of understanding the world,

and that these means of understanding are a subset of all possible means of

comprehending the world. It also posits that individuals are active participants in the
creation of their own knowledge (Schreiber & Valle, 2013) Vygotsky believed that

learning takes place primarily in social and cultural settings, rather than solely within

the individual (Schreiber & Valle, 2013). In the context of male nursing students in

the Obstetrics Ward, it could help analyze how their experiences are shaped by

interactions with patients, colleagues, and supervisors. We could also know how

societal norms and expectations influence their role and interactions within a

traditionally female-dominated field like obstetrics nursing.

THEORY OF CARING

According to Watson (1997), the core of the Theory of Caring is that “humans

cannot be treated as objects and that humans cannot be separated from self, others,

nature, and the larger workforce.” Her theory encompasses the whole world of

nursing; with the emphasis placed on the interpersonal process between the

caregiver and care recipient. Jean Watson's theory will illuminate the compassionate

and empathetic aspects of the male nursing students' experiences. It will help

explore how these students establish caring relationships with patients and

colleagues, and how they provide holistic care that addresses not only physical

needs but also emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

This theory, developed by Bandura, focuses on how individuals learn and

develop behaviors through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. This theory

suggests that social behavior is learned by observing and imitating the behavior of

others. The male nursing students acquire and adapt nursing skills and behaviors by

observing and interacting with experienced nurses and their peers in the obstetrics
ward. It also provides insights into how they navigate gender-related challenges and

cultural differences in a healthcare setting.