'TWEAKINGS' AND 'TACTICS' SHAPING THE ONGOING FLOW OF OCCUPATION

Background: It is suggested that research focusing on occupation may encourage alternative perspectives to those traditionally presented in the literature (Dickie, 2003). Such a study led to recognition of small moments of... [ view full abstract ]

Background: It is suggested that research focusing on occupation may encourage alternative perspectives to those traditionally presented in the literature (Dickie, 2003). Such a study led to recognition of small moments of occupation shaping the ongoing flow of occupation.
Method: An ethnographic study explored occupation in a Greek town. Primary data included observations, participation and interviews, recorded over 30 months. Ethical approval was obtained.
Results: An understanding developed of occupation as an ongoing transactional process that maintained the person, the family and the social fabric. Within this process, occupation at the moment to moment, micro, level included ‘tweakings’ (small events) that changed the flow of occupation, and ‘tactics’ used strategically by the person to maintain autonomy.
Conclusion: ‘Tweakings’ were an inevitable part of the situation, where numerous contingent and changing elements transacted, leading to the ongoing reconfiguration of occupation (Aldrich, 2008). ‘Tactics’ were employed in struggles around power and control, success requiring an ability to read the scene and seize opportunities, while any victory was temporary.
Application to Practice: This micro level of occupation, subtle and often sub-conscious, is important in understanding the moment by moment development of the flow of occupation, and in enabling people to maintain balance and control within the complex transactions of their lives.

References
Aldrich, R. (2008) From complexity theory to transactionalism: Moving occupational science forward in theorizing the complexities of behavior, Journal of Occupational Science, 15(3), pp. 147-156.
Dickie, V. (2003) The role of learning in quilt making. Journal of Occupational Science. 10(3), pp.120-129