Understanding the occupational deprivation of refugees: a case study from Kosovo

Occupational deprivation as a concept has been presented and discussed in the occupational therapy and occupational science literature for the past several years. The discussion to date, however, has been largely exploratory and theoretical in nature.

This article represents the author's attempt to further understandings of occupational deprivation as a lived experience through research undertaken with Kosovar refugees living in Australia.

The article focuses on the story of one of the participants of the study which is presented as a case study to illuminate aspects of occupational deprivation as a process occurring over time. The case study is interwoven with interpretive commentary, which serves to highlight key issues as to how occupational deprivation may be experienced by groups of people in different cultural, historic and societal contexts and how it may therefore be addressed by occupational therapists.

The article concludes with reflections on future directions with respect to both further research and professional action. In particular, the focus of professional action is oriented to a population-based approach.