Occupational Justice—Bridging theory and practice

Abstract

The evolving theory of occupational justice links the concept to social justice and to concerns for a justice of difference: a justice that recognizes occupational rights to inclusive participation in everyday occupations for all persons in society, regardless of age, ability, gender, social class, or other differences. The purpose of this descriptive paper is to inspire and empower health professionals to build a theoretical bridge to practice with an occupational justice lens. Using illustrations from a study of leisure and the use of everyday technology in the lives of very old people in Northern Sweden, the authors argue that an occupational justice lens may inspire and empower health professionals to engage in critical dialogue on occupational justice; use global thinking about occupation, health, justice, and the environment; and combine population and individualized approaches. The authors propose that taking these initiatives to bridge theory and practice will energize health professionals to enable inclusive participation in everyday occupations in diverse contexts.

Choice and control for people ageing with intellectual disability in group homes

“…This is a concept that relates ethical, moral and political issues of justice to human occupation. Occupational justice relies on empowerment and informs person-centred approaches (36)(37), which is also stated in legislation on support and service to people with ID in Sweden (5).…”

Can professionals actually enable occupational justice?

“…(BERGER et al, 2012, p. 3). (BERGER et al, 2012;BROWN, 2008;FOX;QUINN, 2012;NILSSON;STADNYK, 2007;WILCOCK, 2005b).…”

Street Play as occupation for pre-teens in Belhar, South Africa

“…social class 3 , a denial of meaningful participation for children as a consequence of a partial professional discourse on play, along with restrictive social and political structures or policies, should become a concern.…”

“…While definitions of human occupation are vast and varied within occupational therapy and occupational science literature, it is broadly referred to as the everyday familiar activities that occupy people's resources of time, energy and personal capacities, and may have implications for health and well-being. An occupational justice approach to occupational therapy further highlights the importance of individuals, groups and communities being able to engage in occupations that matter to them, as well as bringing meaning and fostering health and wellbeing 3,4 , even when these may be valued differently across various social classes and societies.…”