OCT 1111
Sept 27
Elizabeth Townsend & Ann Wilcock
Occupational Justice (chapter 10)
This chapter unites the concept of justice with the broad view of occupation. Starting
from the premise that humans are occupational beings and just societies are guided by
ethical, moral, and civic principles, they introduce principles of occupational justice that
focus on human’s occupational needs, strengths, and potential. They present an
exploratory theory of occupational justice.
Occupational justice is a term referring to justice related to opportunities and resources
required for occupational participation sufficient to satisfy personal needs and full
citizenship.
Occupationally just world is a utopian vision of a world that is governed in such a way
as to enable individuals to flourish by doing what they decide is most meaningful and
useful to themselves and to their families, communities, and nations.
The concept of justice is focused on rights, responsibilities, and liberties of enablement
related to individual, diverse occupational needs, strengths and potential.
Theory of occupational justice is a theory to define beliefs, principles, and other
features that distinguish occupational from social justice.
An Exploratory Theory of Occupational Justice
Structural occupational determinants shape occupational forms that, in turn shape
possible outcomes of occupational injustices.
Underlying occupational determinants
* Type of Economy: Normadic, Agranian, Industrial, Postindustrial, Capitalist, Socialist
* National/International Poloicies: War or peace, Materialism, Sustainable ecology,
Multinational support, Community development
* Cultural Values: Social justice, Work ethic, Individualism, Community, Religious
practices, Gender
Socially determined occupational forms
* Opportunity/restrictions: Examples include: Corporate management, Division of
labor, Social services, Education, Employment, Environmental management, Health
services, Industry, Job creation schemes, Legislation, Media, Farming/fisheries, Parenting
supports, Professions, Play/recreation, Sports/fitness, technology in daily life,
Transportation
Possible outcomes of occupational injustices
* Occupational deprivation (isolation/overcrowding)
* Occupational alienation (loss of meaning and purpose)
* Occupational imbalance (boredom/burnout)
* Individual/familiar Dis-ease: Anxiety stages, Decreased fitness, Depression, Eating
disorders, Fatigue, Immune system disorders, Metabolic disturbance, Sleep disturbance
* Family/community/National/International Dis-ease: Civic disturbance, Ethics
breakdown, Social disintegration
Beliefs and Principles of Occupational Justice
Beliefs
- Humans are occupational beings
- Humans participate in occupations as autonomous agents
- Occupational Participation is interdependent and contextual
- Occupational Participation is a determinant of health and quality of life
Principles
- Empowerment through occupation
- Inclusive classification of occupations
- Enablement of occupational potential
- Diversity, inclusion, and shared advantage in occupational participation
Distinctions between Occupation and Social Justice
Occupational Justice
- Humans are occupational beings
- Interests in health and quality of life
- Different opportunities and resources
- Enablement
- Individual differences
Social Justice
- Humans are social beings
- Interests in social relations
- Same opportunities and resources
- Possession
- Group differences