The challenge of occupation: Describing the things people do

Abstract

This article proposes that to fulfil the vision of the founders of the discipline, occupational scientists must develop a new strand of research and scholarship dedicated to generating knowledge of occupation itself, rather than people's engagement in it. The goal is to inform both occupational science and therapy by providing knowledge of the occupations people strive to engage in and their impact and importance. Such investigations would encompass the capacities, knowledge and skills required for participation; who participates and what is done; the rules, norms or processes governing participation; where and when participation occurs, using what resources; the regularity, duration, tempo and steps involved; the history of an occupation; its function and outcomes; the kinds of meanings it holds; its sociocultural, political, economic, geographic and historical context, and how occupations influence health. Ethical responsibilities in generating this body of knowledge are outlined, including dispelling normative assumptions, serving occupational justice and considering issues of sustainability. Building this unique body of knowledge will require both synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge and gathering objective and subjective accounts of occupation.