Question

Emily is a community health nurse that needs to address the underlying power differentials and social inequities at a meat packing plant that hires a large portion of immigrant people. Which type of theory should Emily consider using to guide her practice?

a. Critical social theory
b. Integrative theory
c. Immigrant health promotion theory
d. Intersectionality theory

Answer 1

Emily should consider using critical social theory and intersectionality theory to guide her nursing practice in order to address power differentials and social inequities at the meat packing plant.

Step-by-step explanation:

Emily, a community health nurse working at a meat packing plant with considerable immigrant employees, should consider using critical social theory to address the power differentials and social inequities present. Critical social theory is concerned with analyzing and transforming societal structures that create inequalities, which is pertinent when attempting to understand and address the health disparities experienced by a vulnerable population such as immigrants in a workplace. It applies critical thinking and social activism with the goal of creating more equitable systems, making it an effective approach for Emily to guide her practice. Considering the multiple layers of disadvantage that may intersect such as race, class, and gender, intersectionality theory, as introduced by Patricia Hill Collins, is also highly relevant for engaging with the complex dimensions of the immigrant workers' experiences. This theory recognizes the unique combination of social determinants affecting each individual and would enrich Emily's analysis and interventions.