Culture In Nursing: Names, Institutions, Dates

Culture In Nursing 5 Culture in Nursing Name Institution Date How Culture Influences Adult Development

In society, cultural norms and beliefs significantly influence how individuals transition into adulthood and the roles they assume within their communities. Different cultural frameworks set specific expectations and markers for adulthood, often emphasizing actions and responsibilities over chronological age alone. For example, in Chinese culture, attaining college education is viewed as a sign that the individual has moved beyond childhood, embodying adult reasoning and behavior (Andrews, 2016). Similar perceptions are observed in some African societies, where higher education grants young adults decision-making rights and societal recognition as adults. These cultural standards dictate not only when a person is considered an adult but also influence their responsibilities, social roles, and societal respect.

Marriage and employment are additional universal milestones that often mark the transition into adulthood across cultures. Marriage signifies a responsibility for personal and familial duties, demanding maturity and behavioral responsibility. Similarly, entering the workforce establishes independence and decision-making authority, further cementing adult status. These milestones, whether achieved through age or social actions, shape societal perceptions of adulthood. In traditional cultures, such as Middle Eastern societies, women may experience unique and challenging pathways into adulthood. Cultural practices like female circumcision and forced sexual encounters are erroneously perceived as rites of passage, embedding gendered disparities and human rights violations under the guise of cultural tradition (Nelson & Wu, 2014). These practices often hinder women’s autonomy, portraying them as subordinate and childlike, despite their societal roles as adults.

Moreover, such cultural expectations perpetuate gender inequalities, excluding women from leadership and decision-making positions and punishing outspoken women or those who challenge traditional norms. This minorization fosters a sense of infantilization and powerlessness amongst women, complicating their transition into complete adulthood. However, recent social changes have begun to challenge these oppressive practices. Increasing female participation in politics and leadership signifies a shift towards gender equality, albeit gradual and often met with resistance. These socio-cultural transformations highlight the complexity of defining adult status within diverse cultural contexts and underscore the importance of human rights advocacy to eradicate harmful traditional practices.

In contrast, in White, middle-class Western families, gender roles tend to be more egalitarian, influencing adult development differently. Research indicates that, within these families, responsible behavior and independence are associated with higher education and personal responsibility, regardless of gender (Lachman, 2015). For instance, attending college is often seen as a key step towards becoming an adult, accompanied by responsibilities such as managing finances and making independent life choices. Unlike traditional cultures that may assign domestic tasks to women, Western middle-class families promote gender equality in household chores and responsibilities, fostering a more inclusive environment for adult identity development. Such egalitarian practices contribute positively to psychological well-being and social participation among young adults.

Furthermore, religious beliefs and practices heavily influence health and behavior during critical life transitions or crises. They shape attitudes towards illness, caregiving, and health-seeking behaviors, ultimately affecting health outcomes (Wong & Halimah, 2017). For example, some religious doctrines emphasize men’s roles as providers, which can increase stress and feelings of inadequacy when economic or social challenges arise. Male adults adhering to these beliefs might feel that they are failing in their societal duties, leading to stress-related health problems like hypertension or depression. Conversely, religious communities often provide emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation and improving mental health during crises. Rituals, prayer, and communal support foster a sense of belonging and resilience, which are crucial when facing health challenges or transitional difficulties.

Additionally, religious and cultural practices influence health behaviors during crises, either positively or negatively. For instance, certain religious fasting practices might temporarily impact nutritional health or medication adherence, while others offer spiritual coping mechanisms that promote mental health. Recognizing these cultural and religious dimensions allows healthcare professionals to provide culturally sensitive interventions that respect individual beliefs while promoting optimal health outcomes. Understanding and integrating cultural and religious contexts into healthcare can improve patient compliance, satisfaction, and overall wellbeing, especially during vulnerable life stages or health crises.

References

• Andrews, M. M. (2016). Transcultural Perspective in the Nursing Care of Adults. In J. S. Margaret M. Andrews, Transcultural Concepts in Nursing Care. Wolters Kluwer.
• Lachman, M. (2015). Mind the Gap in the Middle: A Call to Study Midlife. Research in Human Development, 12(3-4), 189-203.
• Nelson, L., Badger, S., & Wu, B. (2014). The influence of culture in emerging adulthood: Perspectives of Chinese college students. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 8(1), 26-36.
• Wong, L., Jani, R., & Halimah, A. (2017). Midlife Crisis Perceptions, Experiences, Help-Seeking, and Needs Among Multi-Ethnic Malaysian Women. Women & Health, 52(8), 860-875.