1970 Gender Bias

According to Barbara H. Wootten (April, 1997 p.15) previous research confirms a substantial degree of gender bias from the 1900’s to 1970’s. Nursing’s history is parallel to this research and consisted of all women therefore it is no surprise that gender bias occurred within the profession slowing its growth and acceptance as a profession. The 1970’s were an era of division, women sought to break occupational desegregation proving they were capable and deserving of occupational equality. Many changes help empower women such as the women’s movement, laws were legislated to protect women from discrimination as well as many women entered colleges and university’s desiring a higher education to make a better life and gain independence (Wootten, 1997, p. 15).

Societal needs

She was taught duties and would abide performing these tasks without critical thinking. Doctors gave orders and nurses had very little autonomy or collaborative communication therefore they were trained and not educated. Florence Nightingale recognized gender bias and wrote about it in instructions given to fellow nurses “The Matron must look to the Medical Officer for professional instructions which she is to obey: but for nothing else” (Yam, 2004). Nurses in this era were known as “attendant of the sick” and “teacher of hygiene” (Yam, 2004). According to Yam’s article (2004), in order for an occupation to become a profession it has to contain certain traits; it is stated that sociologists are the ones to recognize professions such as; Medicine, Clergy, Law or University educators. Disappointingly, in this article nursing is viewed by many sociologists as semiprofessional and if wants to be considered a profession the stimulants used to gain credibility should be the practical elements of their work rather than moving towards a more theoretical base (Yam, 2004, p.