Addressing the Gender Continuum: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this concept analysis aims to bring awareness of the gender continuum to nurse educators and students and break down gender stereotypes.

Method: Using the Walker and Avant concept analysis approach, this analysis is based on a transcultural nursing theory framework.

Results: Gender continuum is an umbrella concept, accounting for components beyond how a person identifies. These components include how one conforms to gender roles, expresses gender outwardly, and anatomical or biological characteristics one possesses.

Discussion: Nursing students must recognize gender alternatives beyond male and female to provide culturally competent care for transgender and gender nonconforming patients. The impact of this analysis can result in a better understanding of the gender continuum among nurse educators and the dissemination of knowledge to nursing students. Broader knowledge of this concept can lead to dissolution of gender binaries in health care and more culturally competent care provision for all patients.

Keywords: concept analysis; continuum; gender; gender nonconforming; transgender.