Unforgotten to the unforgettable: How Arpilleras contributed to Chilean history informing everyday occupations and social change

Issue title: Work Transitions: Knowledge Synthesis and Student Reflections

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Traini, Susan

Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. Tel.: +1 519 643 6851; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Objective: The September 11, 1973 Pinochet military coup marks the anniversary of a changed way of life for everyone in Chile and has influenced people around the world. This paper provides a reflection on the social, political, and personal injustices faced by the women of Chile during a vicious dictatorship, through the depiction of an Arpillera. Participants: This paper unfolds the women's experience of occupational transitions and how they shared their stories of injustices to the world at a time when almost all other voices of protest had been silenced. Method: A narrative and historical reflection is used to offer an interpretation of the experiences of transitions among these women. Conclusion: Through the art of survival and a shared mission, the women of Chile worked outside of the traditional political system to effect political change.

Keywords: Occupational transitions, occupational injustice, social injustice, occupational work transitions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-01568

Journal: Work, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 93-96, 2013