Mobilizing Occupation for Social Transformation: Radical Resistance, Disruption, and Re-Configuration: Mobiliser l'occupation pour une transformation sociale : résistance radicale, perturbation et reconfiguration
Debbie Laliberté Rudman
Abstract
BACKGROUND.: Given the sociopolitical roots of widening occupational, social, and health inequities, it is imperative that occupational therapy move forward in mobilizing occupation for social transformation. PURPOSE.: Three key aims are addressed: articulating the imperative to mobilize occupation for social transformation; highlighting the political nature of occupation and occupational therapy; and providing guideposts for embracing a radical sensibility to inform moving forward in mobilizing occupation for social transformation. KEY ISSUES.: Conditions of possibility within occupational therapy leave the profession ill equipped to enact social transformation. Enacting calls to mobilize occupation for social transformation requires radically reconfiguring these conditions of possibility to inform practices that resist, disrupt, and re-configure sociopolitical conditions perpetuating occupational inequities. IMPLICATIONS.: Mobilizing occupation for social transformation holds much potential to contribute toward creating more equitable, humane societies. Realizing this potential involves committing to transforming our profession, as well as societal discourses, structures, systems, relations, and practices.