The debate of social occupacional therapy in brazilian congresses (1997-2007): challenges and debates of an emerging field

Abstract

The aim of this work is to demonstrate the development and growth of social Occupational Therapy as a field of research and activity in the Brazilian academic and professional scenery. To reach this goal some research and analysis - both qualitative and quantitative - of several works presented in national congresses, between 1997 and 2007, took place. The development of Social Occupational Therapy allows, although partially, to understand the ways by which issues related to Brazilian society social processes are being approached by occupational therapists in their daily working activities and professional graduation context. The analysis of each work collected provided abundant information concerning the innovations and methodological differentiation aroused in Occupational Therapy, which differ from clinical approaches. The goal of this observation is also to evidence the difference, not always visible, between a health approach to contexts socially marked by severe problems and a specifically social one, focused on the social issues experienced by certain social groups, with the development of pertinent theoretical methodology and basis.