Decolonizing occupational justice concept

an epistemological construction

Abstract

European epistemologies in all areas of knowledge were considered superior and civilized. They are considered universal as a true understanding of the world, hiding and denying all other cultures. In the field of Occupational Therapy, the concept of occupational justice has emerged, brought by internationally dominant theorists of occupational therapy and occupational science. The present study discusses the applicability and representativeness of occupational justice terminology in the Brazilian context. In this way, we rise the question wether this concept can be universal in the field of occupational science and occupational therapy. This article presents a critical reflection on the concept of occupational justice and its epistemic bases, including the field of law and justice. It is a theoretical and epistemic research based on analysis in the field of law, plural epistemologies and occupational justice. The elements of plural law and good living were transposed to occupational therapy field. This critical reflection is a pathway of decolonizing everyday practices and actions. It start building thiconcept based on organic, circular and plural rights and justices.