Christiansen
(1999) first recognised the concept of occupations and identity, “Occupations
are key not just to being a person, but to being a particular person, and thus creating and maintaining an identity”
(p. 576).
Although
as a beginner dancer, it may be difficult to identify yourself as a 'dancer',
when you only know basic steps and moves, through further participation in this
activity it can become ones identity, as could be seen through the dancers I
met while attending social dancing. Through engaging in dance, Individuals
can obtain an identity as a Lindy-Hop dancer, a Blues, Ceroc.. Salsa Dancer.
When you ask them the question what do you do..? Not only do they mention their
love and involvement of dance, but they clarify what type of dance they do, and
how long they'd being involved for, & how much they just LOVE IT!
Occupational
identity is linked with occupational satisfaction, which is the ability to
engage in meaningful and purposeful activity or as defined by Christiansen and
Townsend, (2010) as “contentment with occupations” (p. 421). Although
individuals will engage in differing occupations depending on their culture and
society, the meaning and purpose of these various occupations will
be subjective for each individual (Wilcock, 1998). All people are occupational
beings, all who have unique occupational needs. When individuals are engaged in
occupations that develop potential, creativity and a balanced use of
capabilities this enables them to experience support, satisfaction, meaning and
purpose, and is also beneficial to an individual’s health and occupational
well-being (Wilcock, 1998). Although, I wouldn't say that I am a Swing Dancer, just yet, I can definitely see why other participants who engage in this dance do. I think through further dancing and LOTS more practice, that one day, I too may call myself a 'Swing dancer' or another dancer of some sorts.. Scottish perhaps..? Through
participation and contentment of dancing, it can form ones identity and
satisfaction. So what are you waiting for... LET's DANCE!!!
References
Christiansen, C. (1999). Defining lives: Occupation as
identity: An essay on competence, coherence and the creation of meaning. American Journal of Occupational Therapy,
53, 547-558.
Christensen, C., & Townsend, E. (Eds.), (2010). An introduction to occupation: The art
and science of living. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Wilcock, A. A. (1998). Occupation for health. British Journal of Occupational Therapy,
61(8), 340-345.