The social markers of the difference: Contributions to social occupational therapy

Abstract

This text results from an effort to reflect on the theoretical aspects that have been parameterizing social occupational therapy in Brazil, and those on which “social makers of difference” are based, aiming at formulations that enable the proposition of occupational therapy methodologies and actions that take into account the daily lives of different subjects. These reflections arise from the contemporary demands of various social segments and concerns about a better conformation of the theoretical contribution subsidizing social occupational therapy practices. For that purpose, we take up the historical constitution of the “social” as a field of action for occupational therapy, as we present the perspective of social difference markers and, in this interlacement, the discussion about their possibilities and approaches in and with social occupational therapy. It is pointed out that the social makers of difference can constitute an important conceptual lens for social occupational theory practice since it includes the constitution of differences in its references - gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, generation, etc. - as a starting point for the understanding of social inequalities.