Social and Environmental Determinants of Occupation and the Need for an Intersectional Approach to Culturally Meaningful Practice

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Diane L. Smith, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Abstract

To provide culturally-centered care to clients and develop interventions that meet the client’s holistic needs, occupational therapists need to consider social and physical environments affecting participation in culturally meaningful occupations. Using a case study, this paper describes the use of the concept of social and environmental determinants of occupation (SEDO) as a necessary strategy to incorporate in clinical practice to determine how SEDO intersect, resulting in occupational justices/injustices that influence access to participation. SEDO are defined as broad (and intersecting) social and environmental factors that increase or limit an individual, community, or population’s ability to participate in culturally meaningful occupations of their choice. This information can then be used to develop strategies that more holistically address the SEDO experienced by our clients. The SEDO process refocuses research and practice with more inclusive attention to how these intersecting factors influence the client’s ability to access culturally meaningful occupations, provide opportunities for advocacy and empowerment, and better address the needs of our clients. The SEDO strategy can provide data for development of more holistic client-centered interventions.

Recommended Citation

Smith, D. (2024). Social and Environmental Determinants of Occupation and the Need for an Intersectional Approach to Culturally Meaningful Practice. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 12(4), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2187