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Power, Global Inequality, and Their Implications for Nursing: A Sociological Perspective

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Introduction

The juncture of power and the global inequality represents a complex and pervasive issue

that affects different societal aspects. This topic acquires great importance for nursing as this

field is the main force of the healthcare systems of the whole world. This paper aims to explore

the connection between power, global inequality, and nursing, employing the three fundamental

perspectives of sociology: functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism.

Nursing and Power, Global Inequality

The link between power, global inequality, and nursing is complex as nurses are those

who serve as frontline healthcare providers and hence they face the consequences of social,

economic, and political inequalities. Nurses, being in a strategic position, are able to address

health issues of individuals from different backgrounds, focusing on the interconnectedness of

nursing and the societal problems in the broad sense.

Nursing practices are greatly impacted by social determinants of health signifying the

global inequalities which are found in most of the societies. Considering the fact that a nurse

may be faced with difficulties like language barriers, cultural differences, and the variations of

health literacy among patients (Gabe & Monaghan, 2022). These factors have a very negative

impact on the quality of healthcare provision and on the health conditions of patients. Also,

nurses have the problem of the outcomes of unequal resource allocation, since they have to make

decision on care distribution which is not equal to the patients with different socioeconomic

backgrounds.
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Application of Sociological Perspectives

Functionalism Perspective

Functionalist perspective sees society as a complex and interconnected system where

each part fulfills its function and contributes to the stability of the system. From a functionalist

perspective, the role of nursing in a world of inequality will be analyzed to determine the

contribution of nursing functions to social stability (Gabe & Monaghan, 2022). Healthcare, as a

social institution, is one of the main instruments, which allow a society to remain healthy and

productive. Nurses, being the key elements of this system, are the main ones that promote the

health of people, they prevent diseases, and maintain the stability of society. The sociological

vocabulary, for example, "social institutions" and "stability", supports this interpretation.

Conflict Theory Perspective

The conflict theory focuses on power relations, inequality, and conflicts in society. When

viewed through this lens, nurses and global inequalities include examining the influence of

power imbalances on healthcare delivery. While working in such systems, nurses have to face

systemic disadvantages in resource allocation, quality of care, and opportunities for professional

growth and development (Gabe & Monaghan, 2022). The analysis is made more comprehensive

by the inclusion of quantitative data which demonstrates the imbalance of healthcare resources,

thus, illuminating the challenges that nurses encounter when trying to address global health

inequalities. For example, statistics on mortality rates, diseases prevalence, and disparities in

healthcare infrastructure are the key indicators of the power imbalances influence on health

outcomes.

Symbolic Interactionism Perspective

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Symbolic Interactionism is the study of individual’s interaction through symbols and

shared meanings. In nursing, this perspective can be used to understand how communication and

interactions are influenced by global inequality (Humphries et al., 2024). Nurses interact with

patients from various populations and each of them represents a particular cultural heritage

symbol and meaning. Nurses become able to adjust their communication approaches according

to the different perspectives by understanding them (Gabe & Monaghan, 2022). The result is that

they will have a more effective and empathetic healthcare environment. Using the vocabulary

like "symbolic meaning" or "perception" in analysis makes it richer, demonstrating that cultural

competence is a crucial factor in nursing practice.

Quantitative Data

Quantitative data is essential as a supporting information in the arguments presented.

Statistics on access to healthcare, health disparities, and resources distribution can be used to

underscore the impact of global inequity on nursing practice (Gabe & Monaghan, 2022). For

instance, data on deaths in different socioeconomic groups, prevalence of diseases in the

marginalized communities, and allocation of resources in the healthcare facilities give the

managers a clear idea of the tasks nurses have to undertake to address health disparities in the

world. The paper is substantiated by quantitative data, which serves as a foundation for the

argument. In this way, the argument reinforces the need for a sociological angle in dealing with

the issues within nursing and global inequality.

Conclusion

In summary, the interconnection of power, global inequity and nursing is complex and

needs sociological investigation. By using the points of view of functionalism, conflict theory,
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and symbolic interactionism we get a holistic approach on how nursing can be affected by and

can also be part of the social dynamics. Quantitative data reinforces the position, underscoring

the urgent importance of sociological perspective in dealing with the contending forces within

nursing and global inequality. In conclusion, this paper emphasizes the necessity of sociological

perspectives in the creation of a fair and inclusive healthcare system and encourages further

studies and advocacy to solve the complicated problems at the intersection of power, global

inequality, and nursing.

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Reference

Gabe, J., & Monaghan, L. F. (2022). Key concepts in medical sociology. Collinson,

Humphries, J. E., Mader, N., Reed, D., Tannenbaum, D., & Van Dijk, W. (2024). Eviction and

poverty in American cities. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 139(1), 57-120.