Affiliations: Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New
Zealand
Note: [] Corresponding author: Clare Hocking, Auckland University of
Technology, Private Bag 92 006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Tel.: +64 9 921
9162; Fax: +64 9 921 9620; E-mail: clare.hocking@aut.ac.nz
Abstract: Objective: To examine published case examples of occupational
deprivation in relation to Wilcock's 1989 theoretical proposal that it is
caused by economic and political systems, institutional policies, or advances
in technology that displace workers. Case examples: Eleven accounts of occupational deprivation centering
on access to or maintenance of a work role. Method: A thematic review of articles reporting access to or
maintenance of a worker role as a major concern were located in an electronic
search of multiple databases using the keyword `occupational deprivation'. Results: While no examples pertaining to technological change were
located, legislation enacted to protect national security or redress the
ongoing affects of colonisation, a philosophy of punishing prisoners, and
healthcare and employment structures were identified as causes of occupational
deprivation. Conclusions: Economic and political systems and institutional
policies are confirmed to cause occupational deprivation of worker roles in
prison and indigenous populations, migrant workers and older female immigrants,
young women displaced by war, refugees and asylum seekers, and people with
disabilities. The ongoing economic burden of wasting human potential and the
loss of cultural practices that support productive occupations are two negative outcomes.
Keywords: Health and well-being, barriers, occupational deprivation
