Centering African Voices: An Afrocentric Exploration of the Meaning of Occupation in Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Background: The concept of occupation is the foundation of occupational therapy practice. However, as a profession historically shaped by Western ideologies, occupational therapy’s foundational constructs may not fully resonate with African worldviews. This study aimed to explore how occupational therapy practitioners practicing in Sub-Saharan Africa define occupation.

Methods: This study employed a critical qualitative methodology grounded in the theory of Afrocentricity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 occupational therapy practitioners across seven Sub-Saharan African countries. Participants were recruited through professional networks, and interviews were conducted via Zoom. Data were thematically analyzed, informed by Afrocentric theory.

Findings: Four themes emerged: (1) Occupation as Collective and Contextual Practice, (2) Embedded Emotional and Spiritual Meaning, (3) Language and the Limits of Translation, and (4) Flexibility and Evolution of the Meaning of Occupation. Participants emphasized communal values, spirituality, and dynamic understanding of occupation grounded in local contexts, languages and knowledges, challenging individualistic and static Western definitions.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the epistemological divergences between the Global North and the Global South’s understandings of occupation, highlighting the need to reframe occupation through Afrocentric perspectives. By centering African worldviews, the study offers new insights for expanding global occupational therapy theory and practice. Incorporating these understandings into education, policy, and cross-cultural collaboration can foster epistemic justice and ensure more culturally responsive care and support. Global occupational therapy must embrace diverse epistemologies to remain relevant and equitable.