‘ <i>What’s behind this is another story</i> ’: Perspectives of newly graduated Brazilian occupational therapists on occupational injustice

This study examines the perspectives of five newly graduated Brazilian occupational therapists on the interpretation and application of the concept of occupational (in)justice. Employing Bardin’s content analysis to explore interviews conducted with graduates from the University of Brazil (Universidade de Brasília: UnB), the study investigated the intricate relationship between these therapists’ professional practices and the concept of occupational injustice, alongside its broader implications. The findings underscore nuances between the theoretical appeal of the concept, developed in the Global North, and its interpretations and practical applications within the participants’ professional contexts. The research demonstrates that the participants’ education and practice are shaped by a global dialogue, while also being deeply embedded in local sociopolitical realities characterized by inequality, racism, violence, and poverty. This article contributes to understanding how conceptual frameworks influence professional identity and social responsibility, highlighting therapists’ role in advancing occupational justice. The authors advocate for a critical and contextualized approach to occupational injustice, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the sociocultural dynamics that underpin professional practice.