Feminist or Feminine? The Feminine Principle in Occupational Therapy

Abstract

RecentlY, there has been renewed Interest In the relationship between feminism and occupational therapy, but does occupational therapy continue to operate on the feminine principle which underlies the philosophIcal basis of the profession?There Is a strong tendency by some occupational therapists to emulate the masculine principle which drives the medical model but this, In fact, places occupational therapy at a disadvantage In the prevailing male culture. Drawing on a wide range of recent literature related to education, professionalism, management, research, clinical reasoning and complementary therapies, this article argues that the feminine principle Is very much alive In the theory and practice of occupational therapy today.

Towards a definition of professionalism in Australian occupational therapy: Using the Delphi technique to obtain consensus on essential values and behaviours

“…These values include, 'involvement in politics', 'health promotion' and 'global health activism'. The lack of consensus achieved in all of these values could be attributed to the majority of participants being of female gender, as occupational therapy scholars perceive the gender as caring and nurturing but also complacent and non-assertive (Grayson, 1993;Griffin, 2001;Kelly, 1996). As these values require a level of assertiveness, activism and leadership, they may conflict with the values of the gender and thus female participants may not have perceived the values as rele- vant to their practice.…”

Recovery of Our Phenomenological Knowledge in Occupational Therapy

“…Art conjures a different kind of knowing, guided by aesthetics and intuition, and often is associated with the humanities. Kelly (1996) discussed art and science as associated with feminine and masculine principles, respectively, and claimed that occupational therapy emphasizes the masculine principles of science over the feminine principles of art. Kielhofner (1997) stated, "Managing the intersection of scientific understanding and judgement with artful practice is challenging work.…”

Occupational therapists and the concept of power: A review of the literature

“…387). Authors who support this line of argument in the health literature include Vance, Talbott, McBride and Mason (1995), Game and Pringle (1983), Howie (1984), Warelow (1996), and Kelly (1996).…”

“…387). Kelly (1996;p. 6) advocates the need for a balance of the feminine and masculine principles in the practice of occupational therapy.…”