Horizontal violence: a conundrum for nursing

摘要: Abstract Horizontal violence is described as intergroup conflict and manifested in overt covert non-physical hostility such sabotage, infighting, scapegoating criticism. The notion of horizontal frequently referred to amongst nurses, often explained terms behaviours associated with: women working together; personality traits; jealousy; ambition, lack respect for each other. It rarely linked politics nursing health care. Nursing's subordinate position the care system long established well documented. subordination early history occupation, ideologies nurses have been maintained reinforced through primary socialisation, education professional socialisation. As a result, perceive themselves powerless effect change challenge status quo This paper explores critically phenomenon nursing. analysis rests on premise that, structurally, are an oppressed group. Oppression theory, therefore, provides framework analysis.