Innocent observers? Discursive choices and the construction of “occupation”

Abstract

As scholars engaged in processes of knowledge production and knowledge sharing, occupational scientists are afforded a degree of social privilege, authority, and legitimacy and are therefore accountable for the ways in which constructs of occupation are produced. As the concept of ‘occupation’ broadens to encompass a wider range of lived experiences, an opportunity to critically reflect on how discursive choices shape epistemic knowledges is presented. This paper begins with an overview of contemporary, evolving conceptualisations of occupation, followed by discussions about the constructive potential of discourses and considerations for writing and talking about occupation and people who engage in occupation. It is not intended as a summative review; rather, it is a continuation of conversations within occupational science.