Several play opportunities instead of one : A qualitative study of occupational therapists’ perception of gender when encountering children in play interventions

Abstract: Introduction: Children experience responses and expectations from those around them concerning their gender in relation to what is and what is not acceptable in their play choices. Stereotypically gendered play opportunities may create boundaries in children’s play choices and lead to gender-related occupational injustices. There is a limited amount of studies regarding occupational therapists’ perception of gender and how it impacts the practice of play in occupational therapy. Aim: To explore how occupational therapists perceive gender when encountering children in play interventions. Method: A qualitative study was conducted consisting of ten semi-structured interviews. A content analysis was performed by Giorgi`s method of analysis with a deductive approach. Results: Two main categories gender awareness and equal play were obtained from six concepts: client-centered and occupation focused encountering’s, gender role stereotypes in play, the influence of gender in play, play interventions and roles, environment and toys, and occupational therapy offering opportunities to feel accepted and to learn new things.  Conclusions: The six concepts found can be related to the occupational outcomes of justice. Significance: The study findings could provide avenues to explore how gender-related occupational injustices can be prevented and how an awareness of gender can contribute to equal play opportunities.