Interrogating neoliberal influences: Reflections on the praxis of occupation-based social transformation

Claims of occupation’s socially transformative potential are long-standing within occupational science. In recent years, efforts have been made to mobilize this potential to enact change across individuals to collectives. Tracing the evolution of English-language, occupation-based scholarship reveals that the literature has been preparatory in relation to social transformation by 1) defining and establishing social transformation as a relevant analytical concept; 2) problematizing occupation to cultivate a context that facilitates social transformation; 3) developing guiding frameworks; 4) capturing transformative experiences; and 5) evaluating existing socially transformative actions. While occupational science scholars have named neoliberal policy as a threat and an instigator of socially transformative mobilizations, analysis of neoliberal influences within these efforts has not yet been undertaken. This paper builds on existing scholarship to interrogate the saturation of neoliberalism in dominant approaches to occupation-based social transformation. We argue that current initiatives 1) reproduce—instead of transform—a neoliberal network of action; 2) lack clarity regarding the function and form of occupation’s socially transformative potential; and 3) prioritize outcomes over process. These insights highlight a conceptual and material absence of explicit engagement, analysis, and confrontation with the political apparatus within social transformation initiatives. This paper sets the stage for ongoing critical dialogue around occupation-based social transformation, ultimately necessitating a transformation of occupational scientists’ shared understanding of pursuing this work together.