«… det vanskeligste er jo å finne noe fornuftig å gjøre»: Om betydningen av arbeid og aktivitet for mennesker med ROP-utfordringer

Abstract

This chapter explores ways in which work and other activities contribute meaning in the everyday lives of people with co-occurring challenges. There is still insufficient knowledge about the importance of work and activity among people with co-occurring challenges. This is evident in the Norwegian context, where people with co-occurring challenges are marginally represented in the workforce and other realms of activity. The conceptual framework in this chapter is based on symbolic interactionism, which implies meaning as a formative process. The methodological design is a bottom-up perspective, and the empirical sample consists of qualitative interviews with 13 women and men with challenges and/or co-occurring challenges. The findings indicate that work and activity have a significant impact, providing structure in their everyday lives and benefiting others. Work and activity contribute to affiliation in society and the local community. The conclusion indicates that emphasis and attention on work and activity as basic needs for people with co-occurring challenges is required: work and activity must become a central part of comprehensive services aimed at people with co-occurring challenges.