A Political Practice of Occupational Therapy

Book info: A Political Practice of Occupational Therapy (Paperback, 264 pages) – Churchill Livingstone, 2008. Language: English.

This challenging and innovative book explores the political aspects of occupational therapy. It looks at how practitioners may develop political awareness in order to aid community development. A Political Practice of Occupational Therapy is about maximizing the potential impact of occupational therapists' engagements and ensuring the profession is working towards the contruction of a civic society. It is supported by twelve chapters of practice examples from the UK, US, Georgia and Australia, as well as a history of the profession as an agency for social change.

It asks:

• How is it possible to introduce the political into a profession that is linked to health and social care?
• What form could political practice take, and how could the political components of practice be analyzed and evaluated?

It includes significant theoretical chapters on gender, class and sexuality, challenges to holism, occupational literacy, and a discussion of political competence. This book will be of particular use for students exploring community and emerging role settings, client centred practice, occupational and social justice and the theoretical base of the profession.

From an editorial team that is widely recognized for their challenges to traditional thought and practice in occupational therapy, this book will be of value not just to occupational therapists but also those employed in health profession management and development, and community based rehabilitation.

Editorial Reviews Review "The authors of this book have provided an in-depth review of the occupational therapy professions political dimension and offer readers both theoretical and practice based substantiation of political practice...the book provides both theory and practical application, accessible to students."
International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, February 2009, Vol 16, No 2 About the Author Dikaios Sakellariou is a senior lecturer in occupational therapy inCardiff University, UK. Nick Pollard is a senior lecturer inoccupational therapy in Sheffield Hallam University, UK. Together, theyhave worked for more than 10 years in developing an argument andtheoretical base for a critical occupational therapy.