Occupational science

Abstract: Occupational science is an emerging basic science which supports the practice of occupational therapy. Its roots in the rich traditions of occupational therapy are explored and its current configuration is introduced. Specifications which the science needs to meet as it is further developed and refined are presented. Compatible disciplines and research approaches are identified. example's of basic science research questions and their potential contributions to occupational therapy practice are suggested.

Abstract: Background. This paper describes an ongoing, international dialogue about the relationship between occupation, justice, and client-centred practice, prompted by the question: How do occupational therapists work for justice? Methods. The authors critically reflect on their own dialogue and culturally situated interests, dialogues with workshop participants, and a literature review. Results. Four cases of occupational injustice are proposed: occupational alienation, occupational deprivation, occupational marginalization, and occupational imbalance. The naming of these occupational injustices suggests four occupational rights: to experience meaning and enrichment in one's occupations; to participate in a range of occupations for health and social inclusion; to make choices and share decision-making power in daily life; and to receive equal privileges for diverse participation in occupations. Practice Implications. Since silence implies compliance with the status quo, the authors encourage occupational therap...

Abstract: Occupational science uses various concepts to denote occupation as residing within the individual. That is, despite recognizing the role of a context for the individual and her or his occupation, occupational scientists have continued to implicitly or explicitly create a dualistic view of person and context (environment). The dualism creates a problem for understanding occupation as well as the relationship of person and context. In this paper we present occupationally‐focused case studies of two individuals and assert that existing concepts of occupation in the discipline cannot encompass the situations represented by these cases. We propose the Deweyan concept of transaction as an alternative perspective for understanding occupation. The relational perspective of transactionalism means that occupation is no longer seen as a thing or as a type of self‐action or inter‐action arising from within individuals. In this view, occupation is an important mode through which human beings, as organisms‐in‐...