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The theory of cultural marginality is an important perspective on understanding how people who are outside the dominant social and cultural systems. Originally, this was developed within nursing and social sciences, the cultural marginality was described as how people who are excluded, factors such as poverty, homelessness, race, immigration or other stigmatized areas experience barriers that affect their well being. In healthcare settings, these patients often face limited access to services and have negative outcomes. Caring, one of the foundations of nursing plays a critical role in addressing these disparities (Campinha-Bacote, 2024).

Cultural marginality can be defined as the lived experiences of those excluded or undervalued in our society. These patients encounter stigma, judgment and systemic barriers that negatively influences their physical and emotional well being. These challenges include delayed care, difficulty navigating the healthcare system and being overlooked or underrated. The theory shows how deeply these disparities are rooted in societal inequities rather than individual choices. This theory allows nurses to see beyond a patient being noncompliant, but to understand what barriers may be causing the noncompliance.

Caring in nursing serves as a necessary response to vulnerabilities with cultural marginality. Empathy, respect and individualized care can help bridge cultural gaps and create trust between nurses and patients. When nurse practice caring intentionally, they create a safe environment physically and emotionally. This allows support and improves communication, adherence to care and overall more positive outcomes (Campinha-Bacote, 2024).

An example I have is of caring for a middle aged patient that was homeless and admitted for hyperglycemia with diabetes and a foot infection. He had the barriers of lack of nutrition, stable housing, insulin access and negative experiences with the healthcare system before. When I noticed this I tried to build a rapport with him and addressing his concerns with reassurances to try and do better, with acknowledging the challenges he faces on the daily. Interventions I included was using clear and respectful communication, with informed decision making and helping coordination with a social worker for outside resources to improve his life, health and outcome. In the end, he became more engaged and trusting of me and the care we were providing him.

Research supports that connecting cultural marginality and caring in nursing practice gives a more authentic experience and caring relationships for healthcare settings help improve patient outcomes. Research highlights that culturally responsive communication helps build trust and patient engagement (Yarahmadi et al., 2024). Overall, understanding cultural marginality is an important essential for providing compassionate nursing care. Awareness of this theory allows nurses to deliver care that improves lived experiences and supports healing.

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