Abstract : The nursing metaparadigm is a conceptual framework that defines the nature of nursing. It was introduced to the nursing profession by Jacqueline Fawcett. Traditional approaches in nursing education perpetuated oppressive aspects of the profession in terms of gender, occupation, and class. Developments in the field have led to alternative approaches which seek to emancipate nurses. The fundamental basis of these approaches is critical social theory, which aims to liberate groups from that impedes participation in social interaction. This study seeks to explain and compare Paulo Freire and Jurgen Habermas's theory on the concept of nursing metaparadigm, which include: person, environment, health, and nursing. This is a theoretical paper that utilizes theoretical, philosophical, and empirical literature on critical social theory by Paulo Freire and Jurgen Habermas respectively on the concept of nursing metaparadigm. The application of critical social theory in nursing education can be associated with professional growth and development. Critical engagement is a means towards knowledge development and emancipation of nursing. Knowledge and understanding of the broader context within which nursing exists, from a critical social theory perspective, may lead to continued improvements in inpatient care.