Reimagining Moho through Sumud
A critically enhanced framework for occupation from a Palestinian perspective
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22422869 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Husam Taha (0009-0002-4833-351X, Arab American University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-18 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-19 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Occupational Science (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1442-7591 • E-ISSN: 2158-1576 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/14427591.2026.2665472 |
| OpenAlex | W7161715654 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 28 |
This paper proposes a theoretical framework for occupational science that synthesizes the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) with the Palestinian concept of Sumud (steadfastness), an Indigenous Palestinian philosophy of collective resilience under colonial military occupation. MOHO was chosen as the structural base for this synthesis because of its widespread use and comprehensive conceptual architecture; however, its Western-centric foundations require fundamental reimagining rather than mere cultural adaptation to be meaningful in contexts of military occupation. The framework is based on critical occupational justice, decolonial theory, and a transactional perspective on occupation. It addresses the need for culturally relevant and politically sensitive theories that can analyze occupation under conditions of structural violence, while simultaneously addressing the shortcomings of Western-centric frameworks when applied to contexts shaped by colonial oppression. The paper critically re-examines MOHO’s central concepts of volition, habituation, and performance capacity through the lens of Sumud. These concepts are expanded to include aspects of collective intentionality, cultural resistance, and community resilience. The framework suggests a reimagined interpretation of these core concepts—volition as a collective desire for justice, habituation as a mechanism for cultural continuity, performance capacity as collective resilience, and the environment as a multi-layered political landscape—including more than human elements. Case vignettes, based upon documented Palestinian experiences, illustrate these concepts in practice. This work contributes to the decolonization of occupational science by bringing an Indigenous knowledge system to the forefront, foregrounding the political aspects of occupation and questioning the Western-centric assumptions of the field. Implications for practice and education are discussed, providing avenues for implementation of this advancement in theory, practice, and education.
Occupational science · Qualitative research · Health and Conflict Studies · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Middle East Politics and Society
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| Highly cited | No |
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