Experiences of social class: learning from occupational therapy students

Area of Science:

• Occupational Science
• Sociology of Health
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on social class influences within occupational therapy.
• Poverty presents unique challenges to individuals' occupations and participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the occupational impacts of poverty.
• To understand how social class affects occupational engagement and therapy.

Main Methods:

• Inductive analysis of essays written by 17 lower-class occupational therapy students.
• Qualitative research methodology to explore lived experiences.

Main Results:

• Class-based shame and stigma resulted in energy-consuming "passing" behaviors.
• Exclusion from middle-class leisure created knowledge gaps.
• Family dynamics involved shame, safety, and pressure; educational occupations highlighted marginalization.

Conclusions:

• Social class encompasses norms, values, and experiences beyond finances.
• Educational and healthcare institutions often reflect middle-class assumptions.
• Occupational therapists should critically examine their practice for unintended middle-class biases.