Sammanfattning
Occupational science and therapy scholars have argued that research on inequality in health is
needed. Simultaneously, a knowledge gap between how to understand and take action on health
inequalities exists in occupational science and therapy. Objective: To identify how inequality in
health, high-risk areas of health, and engagement in health for low-income adult citizens have been
described and conceptualized in contemporary occupational science and therapy literature. Material
and methods: A structured literature review of 37 publications in occupational science and therapy
literature, published from 2004 to 2014. Findings: The review revealed several descriptions and
conceptualizations based on environmental, social, cultural, historical, and personal perspectives on
occupation and already existing occupational science concepts. However, these descriptions were
mainly based on assumptions regarding the relation between occupation and inequality in health,
and statements on the need to explore this relation. Conclusion: Basic theory and reasoning, as well
as empirical studies, on inequality in health are missing in occupational science and therapy. Based
on the findings and theoretical trends, the authors suggest a transactional perspective on occupation
is a possible frame for understanding inequality in health and related issues.