Ritual, meaning and transcendence: The role of occupation in modern life
Journal of Occupational Science May 1, 1994 DOI: 10.1080/14427591.1994.9686385 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People with chronic disabilities and illness (in the author's study), alongside evidence from traditional cultures and modern consciousness research |
| Citations | 38 |
| Key points | Argues that industrialized society creates a 'future shock' condition of alienation and social disintegration, particularly for disadvantaged people, and that integrating 'being' and 'doing' can help individuals create a culture of health and well-being. Proposes that society can be revitalized by relearning the 'art of living', drawing on traditional cultures, consciousness research, and the author's study of people with chronic disabilities and illness. |
Abstract
The industrialised world has created a ‘future shock’ society where issues of alienation, structurelessness and social disintegration are increasing scenarios particularly for disadvantaged people. People from all walks of life are today struggling to find and create a sense of meaning and ritual within their lives. This paper explores evidence from traditional cultures, modern consciousness research, and the author's study into people with chronic disabilities and illness, as examples of how individuals can create a culture of health and well‐being through integrating ‘being’ and ‘doing’ within their lives. In doing so, modern society can be revitalised by relearning the ‘art of living’.