Dewey's concepts of embodiment, growth, and occupation: Extended bases for a transactional perspective

Abstract

To more fully understand Dewey's philosophy of action as it pertains to occupation we explore his conceptualizations of embodiment and growth. For Dewey, embodiment refers to a process of inhabiting an inherently social world. We discuss the process of embodying as it fits within Dewey's view of people as live creatures. This process occurs within an uncertain and complex world, and we examine how embodiment works to develop habits and the ability of people to coordinate with a changing world. Coordination necessitates inquiry into problematic situations, and inquiry is a source of growth for individuals and communities. We then discuss the Deweyan concept of growth-the continual emergence and actualization of possibilities-as it connects to embodiment and transaction. Combined with Dewey's ideas of freedom and equality, embodiment and growth provide the ability to understand occupation in a much richer way. Using Dewey's early works on education, we synthesize his conceptualization of occupation with his concepts of embodiment and growth. We suggest that occupations be viewed as ways of embodying shared experience, enhancing growth, and promoting personal and communal well-being across the life course.