Expanding beyond individualism: Engaging critical perspectives on occupation

Abstract

Background: Perspectives that individualize occupation are poorly aligned with socially responsive and transformative occupation-focused research, education, and practice. Their predominant use in occupational therapy risks the perpetuation, rather than resolution, of occupational inequities.

Aim: In this paper, we problematize taken-for-granted individualistic analyses of occupation and illustrate how critical theoretical perspectives can reveal the ways in which structural factors beyond an individual’s immediate control and environment shape occupational possibilities and occupational engagement.

Method: Using a critically reflexive approach, we draw on three distinct qualitative research studies to examine the potential of critical theorizing for expanding beyond a reliance on individualistic analyses and practices.

Results: Our studies highlight the importance of addressing the socio-historical and political contexts of occupation and demonstrate the contribution of critical perspectives to socially responsive occupational therapy.

Conclusion and significance: In expanding beyond individualistic analyses of occupation, critical perspectives advance research and practices towards addressing socio-political mediators of occupational engagement and equity.

Keywords:

• Critical theory
• neoliberalism
• occupational therapy
• occupational science
• social justice
• health equity

Note

Acknowledgements

Earlier versions of this paper were presented by the authors at the Council for Occupational Therapists for European Countries in Galway, Ireland in June 2016 and at the Third Joint Research Conference of the Canadian Society of Occupational Scientists and the Society for the Study of Occupation: USA in September 2016.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Notes

1 The term ‘Indigenous peoples’ refers to the original inhabitants of a region or territory, which in Canada is inclusive of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

Additional information

Funding

Dr. Gerlach’s research was supported by a Doctoral Scholarship with the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Dr. Teachman’s research was supported by a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and a Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation Research Grant. The study by Drs. Rudman, Aldrich and Huot was funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Insight Grant (Grant # 435-2014-0847).