Journal Article

Collective occupation in public spaces and the construction of the social fabric

Molineux, M, Kantartzis, S

2017

Overview

Background. Contemporary research is expanding understandings of occupation beyond that of the individual's doing, including the shared and social nature of occupation. The concept of collective occupation has been introduced to capture this broader understanding. Purpose. This study aimed to explicate the concept of occupation in a Greek town. Method. Ethnographic methodology was used and primary data were collected through observation, participation, and informal interviews. Analysis involved a hermeneutic process to develop a narrative of occupation in the town, including action, setting, and plots. Findings. Occupation, a dynamic and multidimensional process, served to maintain the self, family, and social fabric and balance between and within them. Collective occupation maintained the social fabric through three forms: informal daily encounters in public spaces, organization and associations, and celebration and commemoration. Implications. Occupational therapists may consider engaging with the potential power of such collective occupation when working toward social change to enable just and inclusive societies.