Towards culture care nursing education : a study of T.G. Mashaba's transcultural themes

Abstract

In this study an attempt has been made to reflect upon T.G. Mashaba's transcultural themes. For the purpose of this study, the researcher had to differentiate between traditional and professional cultural themes. All of these were mirrored in some of Mashaba's works through the employment of descriptive devices in a manner that enables one to picture her philosophy of transcultural nursing care, her ideas and ideals, conceptions, opinions and beliefs. The chief aim of this study was to survey the significance and contribution of Mashaba transcultural themes to nursing. In identifying the two systems, Mashaba was attempting not only to help nurses to become aware of these systems, but to consider ways to make reciprocal interfaces with the two systems. Marked caring differences among health care systems exist as well as similar features. Efforts were made - by Mashaba - to explicate these caring aspects in order to provide a sound rationale and therapeutic nursing care. The design used in this study was purely descriptive, investigative, interpretive and analytic with the specific aim of elucidating Mashaba's ideas, ideals and thoughts. This approach helped in bringing to light the value of the themes while at the same time focusing attention on their transcultural nature. Leininger's Cultural Theoretical Model was applied - as a conceptual Model - for the analysis of transcultural themes. This research study gives us a picture of a gifted and hardworking woman. She was ambitious and had set definite goals for herself. Her sense of cultural observation and imaginativeness elevate her as- a spokesperson for the underprivileged, not only of her race, but of any nationality. In her efforts, she was a moderate who believed that engagement in a dialogue would bring better and more lasting solutions than war. This gives her work the universal relevance and appeal.