Objectifying gaze: How attitudes shape occupational choice

Historically, it has been assumed that people select occupations that align with their wishes and needs in order to create their preferred occupational lives. However, there is a growing discourse challenging this assumption which recognises how vastly different opportunities are for some groups. Many factors limit the choices available, including the attitudes of the wider public. Attitudes can be particularly impactful on occupational choice for marginalised groups, where a wide range of prejudices and hostilities create major barriers to access and opportunity. Attitudes can shape the opportunities afforded to certain populations and how welcomed individuals feel within the occupational space. This article explores the ways in which attitudes influence occupational choice using concepts derived from occupational science, philosophy, and critical theory. The processes of objectifying others, self-objectification, and experiencing objectification will be explored using concepts such as ‘gaze’ to highlight the power dynamic that exists between groups. Additionally, how identities can be diminished through confining words and images in the formation of stereotyping tropes will be explored. These descriptive labels directly influence opportunities through devaluation and reduced self-belief, fostering multiple types of occupational injustice. The concepts will be illustrated with evidence and examples of the issues faced by a wide range of marginalised populations, showcasing the impact of objectification on occupational choice and calling for the reduction of attitudinal barriers to engagement.