occupational justice
The right of all individuals to have equitable opportunities to engage in meaningful occupations that contribute to their health and well-being.
Full Definition
Occupational justice is a concept that emphasizes the right of all people to participate in a range of meaningful occupations that enable them to flourish, fulfill their potential, and experience satisfaction. This framework recognizes that occupational deprivation, marginalization, imbalance, or alienation can occur when individuals or groups are prevented from participating in occupations due to external factors such as social, political, economic, or cultural barriers. Occupational therapists working from an occupational justice perspective advocate for systemic changes to address inequities and work to eliminate barriers that prevent fair access to occupational opportunities. This approach extends beyond individual treatment to address community and population-level concerns.
Usage
Usage note: Often used in context of population health and community practice; capitalize when referring to the formal theoretical framework.
In Context
- "The community program was designed with occupational justice principles to address barriers preventing refugees from accessing employment opportunities." — Program evaluation report
- "Occupational justice frameworks guided the team's advocacy efforts for policy changes affecting individuals with disabilities." — Professional development documentation