Social inclusion is an inherently political construction. Given this, the purpose of this opinion piece is not to present an exhaustive analysis of the historical conditions that have shaped its development and construction over time. Rather, the authors explore here the salience of an occupational perspective within social inclusion policies and consider what this may mean as a platform for enabling participation. In closing, they explore the utility of critical occupational therapy, as first named by Townsend and Whiteford, as an appropriate vehicle through which this may be possible.