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 Julkunen, I. (2011). Knowledge-production processes in practice research: Outcomes and critical elements. Social Work & Society, 9(1), 60–75. [Google Scholar], 2013 Julkunen, I. (2013). Critical examination of the research in practice and the development of social services in HUSK: A practice research perspective. Paper presented at the Workshop of the HUSK Work Group on Evidence-informed Human Service Practice, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley. [Google Scholar]). 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.