Cultural-historical activity theory and interventionist methodology: Classical legacy and contemporary developments

Abstract

The article discusses the growing interest in cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) and its potential to promote change in work and educational practices through research interventions. Seeds for research interventions in CHAT are identified in the rich heritage of the works of Vygotsky and other classic authors. Particular attention is devoted to Vygotsky’s epistemic reasoning in “The Historical Meaning of the Crisis in Psychology” and to his emphasis on the use of an indirect method in psychological investigations. In “The Historical Meaning of the Crisis in Psychology,” Vygotsky formulated a program for the development of psychological theory and methodology. The article points out that the future of activity theory depends on the understanding and creative development of this heritage. On this basis, interventionism is presented as a central aspect in CHAT. Historical and theoretical foundations of CHAT are connected to current methodological implementations of interventionist research such as the Change Laboratory, the Clinic of Activity, and the Fifth Dimension.

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