Professionalism, Prejudice and Personal Taste: Does it Matter What We Wear?

Abstract

An earlier opinion piece considered the professional issues surrounding the occupational therapist's dress code within the work place (Davys et al, 2006). This second paper considers the role of the occupational therapist when a client choice of clothing may conflict with social expectations and negatively impact upon social inclusion. Three practice based scenarios are presented, which serve as the prompts for reflection upon informed choice, professional responsibilities and the therapeutic relationship. This paper concludes that there needs to be debate about the conflict between each of these areas and the concept of social inclusion.

Conceptualising professionalism in occupational therapy through a Western lens

“…Kasar and Muscari (), Larkey () and Davys, Pope and Taylor () have suggested that professional image affects other's interpretation of a practitioner's competence. Davys et al .…”

“…Though these terms are often mentioned as required professional behaviours, they are rarely explicitly described or defined. Kasar and Muscari (2000), Larkey (2000) and Davys, Pope and Taylor (2006) have suggested that professional image affects other's interpretation of a practitioner's competence. Davys et al debated notions of personal choice versus the importance of meeting professional expectations in occupational therapy and society.…”

Dressing the Part? The Significance of Dress in Social Work

“…In medicine, for example, there is literature on the effect of dress on the doctorpatient relationship, with particular reference to the 'white coat' (Gjerdingen et al, 1987;Nihalani et al, 2006;Lill and Wilkinson, 2005), the impact of the uniform in nursing (Lawlor, 1991, pp. 152 -153), and the significance of dress in occupational therapy (Davys et al, 2006). There is little work which reports service users' views about how professionals dress and how, if at all, this influences service users' perceptions of their professionalism or effectiveness.…”

Professionalism, Personal Taste and Social Inclusion: Does it Matter What Clients Wear?

“…An earlier opinion piece considered the professional issues surrounding the occupational therapist's dress code within the workplace (Davys et al 2006). This second paper considers the role of the occupational therapist when a client's choice of clothing may conflict with social expectations and have a negative impact upon social inclusion.…”