Promoting Occupational Justice in a Nordic Context (10 ECTS) 
 

This course is an online master course with a student-driven team-based learning approach. The course is designed for policymakers, social workers, occupational therapists, educators, business leaders, and anyone interested in social justice, labor policies, and inclusive occupational opportunities. The main aim of the course is to empower actors to promote change and enhance social and occupational justice in the Nordic context.  

 

The course is arranged in cooperation with the OSNordic Knowledge Hub. 

 

Prerequisite: Minimum 180 ECTS on EQF level 6. 

 

Language: English 

 

Course description 

This course examines occupational justice within the unique social, economic, and political landscape of the Nordic countries. It explores how Nordic welfare models promote occupational justice while also addressing existing challenges, such as labor market integration, social exclusion, and occupational inequalities among marginalized groups. Participants will analyze policies, case studies, and strategies that foster equitable access to meaningful occupations across all sectors of society. 

Learning objectives (integrated SDG goals 10 and 16) 

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By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

• compare challenges in health and well-being for groups at risk of occupational injustice with other Nordic countries based on a co-creation approach.  

• critically analyze inequalities and occupational injustices in their own country in partnership with representatives for the groups at risk.  

• design and implement a sustainable plan for a co-created social innovation reflected through the Participatory Occupational Justice Framework to promote social inclusion.  

• argue for and critically evaluate their process of change agency and social value creation and its social and ethical sustainability in the Nordic context. 

 

Course content 

 

Foundations of Occupational Justice in a Nordic Context 

• Occupational justice and its relevance to Nordic welfare societies. 

• The Participatory occupational justice framework.  

• The relationship between occupation, well-being, and social inclusion in Nordic cultures. 

Occupational Injustice in the Nordic Region 

• Challenges to occupational justice in highly developed welfare states. 

• Marginalized groups in Nordic societies: refugees, long-term unemployed, and people with disabilities. 

• The impact of automation and digitalization on occupational equity. 

Social and Policy Frameworks for Occupational Justice 

• Nordic labor market policies and their effects on occupational access 

• The role of education, universal healthcare, and social security in enabling occupational justice. 

• Work-life balance, gender equality, and flexible work policies in Nordic countries. 

Community and Workplace Strategies for Inclusion 

• Best practices in workplace integration and diversity in Nordic labor market 

• Co-created social innovations in municipalities to promote occupational participation and inclusion. 

• Case studies: Social enterprises, supported employment, and rehabilitation programs 

Advocacy and Future Directions 

• How to advocate for occupational justice in Nordic policymaking. 

• The role of grassroots movements, NGOs, and occupational therapists´ initiatives for social innovations.  

Learning activities  

• Synchronous and asynchronous group work and field study 

• Group lead discussions and reflections.  

• Interactive online lectures 

• Group supervision 

• Self-studies 

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Methods of assessment 

• Each group develops a project plan following the POJF process and presents the plan at the examination seminar.  

• Peer review in group of a project plan.