A Different Voice in Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The majority of occupational therapists are women. The reasons for and the consequences of this situ. tIon are reflected upon In this article, In order to achieve a better understanding of the functioning of the profession within health care services. Recent feminist writings, In particular by nurses, psychologists and AmerIcan occupational therapists, suggest ways In which being female and feminist can have a post lve Impact on the occupational therapist's work.

Understanding Occupational Therapy: A Hermeneutic Approach

“…The importance of Gilligan's work for occupational therapy has recently been examined by Taylor (1995).…”

Occupational Therapy: A Postmodernist Perspective

“…The therapist needs to be less concerned with a 'distanced and abstract consideration' (Taylor, 1995) and less self-conscious about valuing the subjective. No more is this relevant than in mental health and learning disability contexts where 'scientific objectivity' and the language of mathematics often finds itself floundering in its attempts to reflect truth or when trying to measure health outcomes.…”

Feminist or Feminine? The Feminine Principle in Occupational Therapy

“…Does this mean that occupational therapy should abandon the medical model and become one of the complementary therapies? Taylor (1995) argues that the medical model arises from and is maintained within 'a masculine approach to moral decision making' (p172). Nevertheless, she does not totally condemn the medical model and objective science.…”

“…However, Miller goes on to argue that occupational therapy's strength as a profession lies in its valuing qualities not predominant in the prevailing culture, values that are often identified as female. More recently, Taylor (1995) noted that occupational therapy has become more 'scientific' and 'objective' and that this is derived from a male-centred tradition. She urges that any 'female' qualities that contribute to more effective caring and helping should be given formal and proud acknowledgement; but does this justify a feminist approach?…”