The use of sociological theories and models in nursing

In that nursing and sociology arc both concerned with people and the way they intereact, it is likely that theories developed in either discipline will provide insights for the other. The theory of social‐exchange is therefore viewed in the light of the nurse and patient seeking to meet their own needs and goals and a model is suggested which may indicate levels of satisfaction. Organization theories and patterns of power and compliance are considered in the context of their effect on goal achievement and tentative explanations are offered for behaviour by nurses and patients that might be considered deviant.