A theory of the human need for occupation

Abstract

This paper discusses occupation as a central aspect of the human experience. It argues that occupation fulfils basic human needs essential for survival, provides the mechanism for people to exercise and develop innate capacities of a biological, social and cultural nature, to adapt to environmental changes, and to flourish as individuals. However the basic occupational needs of people have been obscured by the current complexity of occupational technology and economy, and the social strictures, divisions, and values which have been established progressively throughout time.