Broadening understandings of occupational identity: illustrations from a research study of homeless adults.
Abstract
Occupational identity is an emerging construct that is relatively unexplored in occupational science and occupational therapy literature. It has been described as a broad and value-laden concept, (Wiseman and Whiteford, 2007) that is often discussed without clarification of the theory that underlies it (Phelan and Kinsella, 2009). Laliberte-Rudman and Dennhardt (2008) have suggested that the evolution of occupational identity has been limited due to the prevalence of Western cultural norms held amongst theorists developing the concept. Therefore, they argue that the focus of occupational identity is on “emphasising a future orientation, achievementbased doing, individual choice, and mastery of individuals over nature” (LaliberteRudman and Dennhardt, 2008, p153). It is important for the credibility of the occupational therapy profession, and the usability of occupation-based concepts, that the theoretical underpinnings of occupational therapy practice encompass the diversity of human experience. The aim of this chapter is to broaden understandings of the concept of occupational identity. This will be achieved by firstly exploring key concepts from the wider literature on identity theory. Secondly, the concept of occupational identity will be examined from its historical beginnings to current occupational science conceptualisations. Finally, findings from a British study of homeless people are used to explore links between occupation and identity. This will provide a basis on which to broaden current thinking around occupational identity.
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