Collective Occupation in Public Spaces and the Construction of the Social Fabric

Abstract

Background. Contemporary research is expanding understandings occupation beyond that of the individual's doing, including the shared and social nature of occupation and the concept of collective occupation has been introduced. Purpose. A study aimed to explicate the concept of occupation in a Greek town Method. Ethnographic methodology was used and primary data included 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; organisation and associations; celebration and commemoration. Implications. Occupational therapists may consider engaging with the potential power of such collective occupation when working towards social change to enable just and inclusive societies.