Enacting a critical decolonizing ethnographic approach in occupation-based research

Abstract

In response to calls for challenging coloniality and imperialism within occupational science, this paper outlines central tenets of decolonial theory and decolonizing methodological approaches to illustrate their relevance to transformative occupation-based research. Through describing the first-author’s dissertation work enacted in Tanzania, we illustrate how these principles unfolded through the design and enactment of a critical decolonizing ethnographic methodology in Tanzania. We unpack three tensions that were experienced in the field, share how these challenges were navigated, and discuss overall implications and risks of enacting decolonial approaches to research in occupational science. Ultimately, this paper aims to build upon existing decolonial scholarship within occupational science to further dialogue on both the necessities and tensions of enacting decolonizing approaches within occupation-based research, as well as highlight cautions for settler researchers engaging in such work.

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