Exploring ‘wicked problems’ from an occupational perspective: The case of turf cutting in rural Ireland

ABSTRACT: Wicked problems are complex issues beyond the capacity of one individual or group to understand or respond to. While these problems have direct consequences for participation in occupation, occupational scientists have paid limited attention to wicked problems. This paper explores turf cutting (harvesting of turf from boglands for use as fuel), a traditional practice which has emerged as a wicked problem in contemporary Irish society, from an occupational perspective. Interviews were conducted with seven adults and data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings suggest that rather than only being concerned with fuel, turf cutting was experienced as representing a particular way of life and as a meaningful occupation. The repetitive nature of the actions involved in the occupation enabled participants to experience ‘doing’ of turf cutting as a time of restoration. Learning how to gather turf from elders supported development of generational consciousness and transmission of cultural values. Turf cutting also appeared to support development and management of identities as members of rural communities. The findings offer new perspectives on turf cutting and highlight the value of an occupational perspective in illuminating the meaning behind everyday practices when seeking to understand and respond to wicked problems.