Cultural-Historical Activity Theory: Exploring a Theory to Inform Practice and Research

Abstract

Cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) is one of several practice-based approaches that provide a robust framework for analyzing professional work practices, including social service provision (Julkunen, 2011, 2013). By offering a multi-dimensional, systemic approach that includes both psychological motives and all kinds of tools, as well as the always-present dynamics of power, money, culture, and history, CHAT enables researchers to analyze complex and evolving professional practices and practitioners to engage in reflective research. This article provides an overview of CHAT as a framework for practice-based research in social work.

Keywords::

• Practical theory
• practice research
• activity theory

NOTES

Notes

1. Doctor-patient relations have been used to illustrate CHAT concepts by many scholars, beginning with Leont'ev (1978). The doctor/clinic vignette in this section incorporates a classic example articulated in Engeström (2000) to illustrate the primary contradiction. Foot and Groleau (2011) developed the vignette further to illustrate the whole set of contradictions.

2. See Engeström (1999a, pp. 34–35) for further explanation of his concept of how activity systems assess cultural advancement.