Women In Occupational Therapy

Men did not pursue the profession viewing as a lack of power as it was still heavily tied to view of women and as submissive, and for young single women.

The medical system was beginning to grow stronger in its foundation and accelerated in its technological advancements, this influence occupational therapy as it soon entered the biomechanical paradigm. This was reflected by the many positions of power within many occupational based associations and departments held by male physicians (Cockburn, 2001; Rider & Brashear, 1988), thus providing males interested in occupational therapy a more powerful and lucrative career alternative.

The biomedical shift within the profession also influenced a shift to become more professional. There was

Many female occupational therapist after 5 to 6 years in the profession took time off to raise their family, care for elders or loved ones (Miller, 1992). The view of the working married women evolved over time and became more accepting, more women began to work part time or returning to the field after raising their children (Frank, 1992; Gilligan, 1976). Women were having less children, increasing longevity of the productive years as a therapist after their last child leaves home (Gilligan, 1976). The pattern of work had changed, with more exhibiting training, job entry, dropout, and job re-entry (Gilligan, 1976). Women remained in the profession after graduation longer than previous decades and were returning to work after dealing with life events, shedding the stereotypes of single and widows as occupational therapists. It afforded them the flexibility they needed to work, yet this also contributed to the image of women in female-dominated professions of being of low commitment, low contribution, low competition, low earnings, and low recognition (Frank, 1992; Miller, 1992).

Occupational therapy was still relatively unknown to the public, however a film during the 1960’s showed Warren Beatty played an occupational therapist. The films had the effect of exposing the profession to a wider public and even influence some men to become occupational therapists (Frank, 1992). The men were initially influence to occupational therapy as a career as it had variety and versatility the profession