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Gender bias in an occupational therapy text
1University of Connecticut, Storrs.
Summary
Occupational therapy lacks awareness of women's roles and gender bias. Developing a policy statement on gender concerns is crucial for advancing the profession and understanding the health value of activities.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Therapy
- Gender Studies
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- The foundational text
- Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy
- fails to address the role of women or gender bias within the profession.
- This omission hinders the development of a critical consciousness among women therapists regarding their experiences within a patriarchal system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the integration of gender considerations into occupational therapy theory and practice.
- To encourage the development of a formal policy statement addressing gender concerns.
- To highlight the importance of incorporating gender roles into research on the impact of activities.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of existing occupational therapy literature.
- Drawing parallels with feminist scholarship in related scientific fields.
- Conceptualizing a "rupture" from traditional practice as a catalyst for consciousness.
Main Results:
- Current occupational therapy discourse, exemplified by
- Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy
- , does not foster awareness of women's contributions or the impact of gender bias.
- A "rupture" in practice, such as avoiding traditional activity-based therapy, can lead to a more profound understanding of therapists' experiences.
Conclusions:
- Occupational therapy must actively address gender concerns in its theoretical frameworks and practical applications.
- A policy statement is needed to guide the profession in understanding and mitigating gender bias.
- Incorporating gender as a critical factor in research will enhance our understanding of activity's impact on health and well-being.