Transformation through occupation

Abstract

The majority of the world's population lives in developing countries. In addition, all the wealthier countries are rapidly becoming more diverse. In spite of this, occupational therapy has as a profession tended to focus on work conducted in conventional clinical settings in western countries. This innovative and timely volume begins a process of reorienting occupational therapy to community development and population needs in contexts of poverty, displacement, and rapid social change. Through the use of a series of case studies the authors demonstrate how a practice which truly emphasises social transformation, in turn transforms the discipline of occupational therapy itself, leading to a profession which champions the rights of all people to occupational engagement. Readers of this volume will be challenged to think more broadly and more deeply about what occupational therapy is and does, and about methodologies which take into account the ways in which we all, in our diversity, give meaning to and take meaning from what we do. The book explores uncharted territory for many occupational therapists.