Resumen

MENDES, María Angélica  y  ALMEIDA LOPES MONTEIRO DA CRUZ, Diná de. The theory of the roles in the context of the nursing. Index Enferm [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.4, pp.258-262. ISSN 1699-5988.

There is a considerable discussion on new functions of nurses. In these discussions, when describing or recommending behaviors, practices or experiences, the idea of nurses' role is often present. However, little attention is given to the origin and development of the social roles theory. This paper presents a theoretical reflection on social roles and its application to the nursing context. Understanding nurses' roles as well as the influences, the expectations and the limits of the current social behavior of such roles is important to inform not only the politics of education and professional practices, but also the politics of health.

Palabras clave : Role theory; health professionals; nurse's role.