Relational Autonomy: An Example from Breast Cancer Nursing

Abstract

This article is an exploration of how the concept of relational autonomy might be applied in practice. The discussion uses the example of breast cancer nursing as a lens through which to consider how a view of autonomy as relational might affect the ways in which practitioners work with their clients.

Keywords:

• autonomy
• relational autonomy
• feminist ethics
• nursing
• breast cancer

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary Twomey

Mary Twomey is Head of Department/Programme Director in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the Open University, having previously been a specialist nurse in breast cancer. She has a particular interest in feminist ethics, and how feminist ethics can be applied in practice, which is the subject of her doctoral thesis