GIFT EXCHANGE THEORY - A CRITIQUE IN RELATION TO ORGAN-TRANSPLANTATION

Organ transplantation is becoming more important as a viable method of treatment for certain severe medical conditions. It is a complex and demanding process for all involved. Nursing as a developing science mu st respond to cultural and economic changes. Therefore, a need exists to develop a body of empirically based knowledge to understand and sup port the process of organ transplantation. This paper will argue that as trading in organs is unacceptable to the moral standards of western society and outlawed in many countries, an alternative framework must be considered for understanding the mechanisms through which organs a re donated and utilized. The donating and receiving of organs may be e quated with gift-giving, as there is no barter of commodities involved . Therefore, a useful framework to explore this phenomenon will be one that underpins the process of giving and receiving of gifts. Gift Exc hange Theory will be evaluated and critically examined in relation to organ transplantation and the role of nurses in this process.