Challenges in enacting occupation-based social transformative practices: A critical dialogical study

Abstract

Background. Globally, occupational therapists are taking up the transformative potential of occupation to mobilize the profession’s commitment to social change. Purpose. This study examined ideal constructions of occupation-based social transformative practices and challenges that may arise when enacting these practices. Method. Five participants with experiences developing practices aligned with social transformative goals in diverse locations were recruited. In this critical dialogical study, three dialogical interviews were conducted with each participant. Critical reflexivity was enacted through the exchange of transcripts and critical reflections with participants. A critical discourse analysis was conducted to examine how such practices are shaped within discourses and other contextual features. Findings. The findings address constructions of ideal practice and three threads that provide critical insights into ways discourses shape possibilities to enact social transformation through occupation. Implications. This study brings together experiential and theoretical knowledge to advance social transformative practices by problematizing underexamined discourses in occupational therapy.