Towards salience and solidarity: The importance of epistemic development in occupational science, occupational therapy, and the relationship between them

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite different histories, occupational science and occupational therapy share a central concern with occupation, in all its complexity, and the participation and inclusion of people in society. In this presentation, I chart how epistemic developments in each discipline have brought them closer together through a series of linked propositions. The strengthening of this relationship, I argue, has enabled greater levels of representation and politicization of occupational issues in society, a development I support with two key examples. Additionally, this development has enhanced our societal salience and our solidarity to each other as well as with [often marginalised] communities of people. In closing, I suggest a reworked vision of possibility for future collaborative, emancipatory action.