Application of Feminist Theory in Nursing Research: The Case of Women and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Researchers have provided evidence that women recover from and live with heart disease in very distinct ways from men. The challenge for researchers has been to discuss women in a manner that allows their differences to emerge but does not depict them as inferior to men. Our goal is to review current cardiovascular research on women from a feminist theoretical perspective. We believe that a feminist perspective in cardiovascular research will advance the knowledge and recognition of women's health. We examined nine qualitative research articles in depth and applied a model of feminist research critique to them (Bunting, 1997). Historical androcentric notions in women's health and cardiovascular research are discussed. Also included are recommendations for future research to influence social change in women's cardiac health.

Ethnic differences in exercise and leisure time physical activity among midlife women

“…A feminist perspective has been acknowledged as a useful framework for advancing the knowledge and recognition of women’s health. (McCormick & Bunting 2002, Routledge 2007, Goldberg et al. 2009).…”

Persevering Through Postpartum Fatigue

“…First, the early mothering period (i.e., birth to six months postpartum) has not received sufficient attention from either Rogerian Science or feminism. Second, while nursing scholars have called for the integration of feminist perspectives into nursing, feminism remains underutilized at all levels of nursing scholarship, theory, research, and practice (Allen, 1992;Blackford & Street, 2002;Chinn, 1989;Chinn & Wheeler, 1985;Hagel, 1992;Kane & Thomas, 2000;McCormick & Bunting, 2002;Sullivan, 2002;Webb, 2002). Third, nursing scholars have suggested that the unitary-transformative paradigm should be the conceptual focus of the discipline (Newman et al, 1991).…”

Balancing Within Various Discourses—The Art of Being Old and Living as a Sami Woman

“…The analyses were also discussed several times among the research team as well in seminars. To illuminate women's own experiences can be seen as an opportunity to understand the world around them (DeMarco, Campbell, & Wuest, 1993;King, 1994;McCormick & Bunting, 2002). The interviewer strove for a relaxed interview situation, and as the narratives proceeded the interviews became both narrative and reflective.…”