Reflections on Social Action Practice in France

Abstract

Social action, defined as collective action directed toward a societal end (Coyle, 1947), takes place in a social context. Studying social action in different countries and hence in different sociocultural systems can enrich knowledge and practice in this neglected area of social work. This paper looks at social action practice in post-1982 France. After a brief historical introduction, it analyzes the theoretical underpinnings of one particular model of social action which defines itself as promoting rather than assisting people. That model is illustrated in a third section, and a final section raises issues related to the model.