Ethnocentrism in a Pluralistic Society: A Concept Analysis

Development of culturally competent nursing care requires an examination of ethnocentric values and behaviors. Ethnocentric practices, as shown in the literature, have resulted in adverse patient care outcomes. Although it is recognized that awareness of personal values is the key to developing cultural competence, ethnocentrism is woven into the fabric of one's own cultural makeup. Ethnocentrism is not clearly defined in the nursing literature and use of the term is vague and ambiguous. This article utilizes the Walker and Avant method of concept analysis to clarify the meaning of ethnocentrism resulting in a new definition.