This article explores nursing's conceptualization of the person in terms of
holism and uniqueness. These concepts raise concerns from postmodernist an
d feminist perspectives in terms of the unitary self, essentialism, cultura
lism, agency, and subjectivity. The use of holism and uniqueness in nursing
theory appeals to the generic person, disregards interactions among the in
dividual's race, class, and sex, and, thus, leaves larger institutional and
societal issues unacknowledged, unexplored, and unchallenged. Nursing theo
ries are needed that have social justice as their goal.