View through a prism : a critical reflection on power relations and deviance in the development of psychiatric mental health nursing

This is a critical reflection on power relations and deviance in the development of nursing in general, and psychiatric nursing in particular. Deviance and power in regards to nursing's legitimization are examined. In light of nursing's interdependence on the social, economic, and political ramifications of the everyday world, a critical reflection of the varying perspectives of deviance and power, specifically utilizing principles from Foucault, as a form of cultural analysis were used to attain a differing perspective. Power relations and struggles have always existed. One of Foucault's major premises is that power is all pervasive throughout the social body. There is a constant tension and interplay between the effects of power and the effects of resistances to that power. Power is examined from varying perspectives. There is an in depth focus on Foucault's principles, propositions and precautions in examination of power. Foucault proves helpful in refocusing our view of history, from that of a single continuous thread to one that is a result of a series and various sets of struggles and resistances to power. It is this perspective that is utilized in the history of nursing focusing on power relations and spheres of influences. Nursing's failure to critically examine deviance, in light of its mandate to intervene is also examined. Varying perspectives of deviance are examined and the ramifications to nursing practice are addressed. Competing paradigms, in regard to power and the perceived needs of nursing and its clientele are addressed. Critical reflection on power and deviance is proposed as one method of being in the world and furthering the profession, in light of the exigencies of nursing's world.