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University of Southern California
University of Southern California
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
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Research
Research

Human Occupation, Precarity, and Employment (HOPE)

The Human Occupation, Precarity, and Employment (HOPE) Lab, directed by Dr. Rebecca Aldrich, aims to illuminate assumptions, practices, and policies that differently shape access to, and engagement in, occupation. The lab draws on dynamic theoretical foundations — such as the transactional perspective and critical social theories — and multiple methodologies — such as ethnography and time diaries — to enact critical inquiries that reflect the complexity of people’s daily lives. The overall goals of the HOPE Lab are to generate refined, inclusive understandings of occupation; to illuminate how an occupational perspective articulates with approaches to a range of social problems; and to equip occupational scientists and occupational therapists with concepts and findings that can support the pursuit of equity and justice.

Active projects

Completed projects

Selected publications