‘This book advances an original argument both at the theoretical and empirical levels, which recentres ‘occupation’ as a meaningful activity. In so doing, it resists the radical sundering of the worlds of employment and life by capitalism, but also warns of the deepening domination of all facets of existence by the imperatives of capital. A critique is offered of the professional practices of occupational therapy as an expression of an alienated existence that adjusts people to the sources of their social suffering. Social suffering is all the more painful when people are made to feel that it is the result of personal failings, rather than the underlying conditions of structural inequalities of power. The case studies in this collection enjoin social movement theory to challenge the social reproduction of supposedly ‘natural’ incapacities, degradation and domination in grossly unequal social relations of class, gender, colonialism, neurodiversity, disability, environment, schooling and culture. It will be of interest to sociologists, activists, students and perhaps even professionals who wish to reflect critically on their practice.’ Alex Law, Professor of Sociology, Abertay University

‘The impressive range of case studies is a crucial pedagogical aid in understanding the complex nature of concepts such as alienation, meaningfulness and even choice in the context of occupation. The authors are to be congratulated for assembling this resource.’ Jeanette Findlay, University of Glasgow and University and College Union Scotland

What makes human activity meaningful?
This book explores how social, economic and political forces have shaped the meaning of ‘occupation’ throughout history. Tracing the shift from industrial capitalism’s division of ‘work’ and ‘life,’ it analyses how movements for gender equality, labour rights, decolonization and disability activism have contested what is considered meaningful. From the trade union fight for shorter hours to the feminist reimagining of domestic labour, the book examines the struggles over who defines occupation and for whose benefit.
With case studies by activist scholars, this provocative book reveals how conflicts are central to shaping modern social relations.

Maria Giatsi Clausen is Senior Lecturer in the Division of Occupational Therapy and Arts Therapies at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and a trade union representative with University and College Union.

Eurig Scandrett is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and a trade union representative with University and College Union.

Part I

1. Occupation as Hegemony - Maria Giatsi Clausen and Eurig Scandrett

Part II

Preface to Chapter 2: Capitalism and the Labour Movement - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

2. Trade Union Organizing for Life - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

Preface to Chapter 3: Patriarchy and the Feminist Movement - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

3. Gendered Occupation: How the Women’s Movement Has Challenged Sex Inequality in the Labour Market - Shereen Benjamin

Preface to Chapter 4: Colonization and Anticolonial Resistance - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

4. Decolonizing Occupation: Everyday Forms of Resistance in Palestine - Juman Simaan and Mahmoud Soliman

Preface to Chapter 5: Toxicity, Extractivism and the Environmental Movement - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

5. A Decent Environment for All - Eurig Scandrett and Bhopal Survivors’ Movement Study

Preface to Chapter 6: Resistance to a Disabling Society - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

6. Occupation and Disability: Alienation and Affirmation - Colin Cameron

Preface to Chapter 7: ‘Normal’ Occupations and Neurodiversity - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

7. The Autistic People’s Movement: Shifting the Narrative - Sara McHaffie

Preface to Chapter 8: Psych Hegemony and the Mad Movement - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

8. Madness and Occupation - Alex Dunedin, Carmel Schmid and an anonymous neurodivergent scholar and advocate (with an introduction and conclusion by Eurig Scandrett)

Preface to Chapter 9: Children, Infrapolitics and Youth Resistance - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

9. Resistance and Formal Schooling: Making a Case for Politicization and the Scholé - Maria Giatsi Clausen

Preface to Chapter 10: Resisting Employment and Alternative Occupation - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

10. Mental Illness, Volunteering and Recovery: Transforming Work towards Human Flourishing - Heather Hunter

Preface to Chapter 11: ‘Professional’ Resistance and Alternative Occupation - Eurig Scandrett and Maria Giatsi Clausen

11. How Do People Talk About Work in Art Therapy? - Chris Wood

Part III

12. Conclusion: From Meaningful Alienation to Emancipatory Praxis - The Role of Social Movements - Aline Godoy-Vieira, Maria Giatsi Clausen and Eurig Scandrett