NYA Update: An era of social action

The source of social action comes from Max Weber. Sociology according to him is a “science which attempts the interpretive understanding of social action in order thereby to arrive at a causal explanation of its course and effects”.

A range of opportunities centrally from government is on offer to create a “decade of social action opportunities for young people”.

Weber distinguished social action from social behaviour noting that social action must be understood through how individuals subjectively relate to one another.

The study of social action through understanding must be based upon understanding the subjective meaning and purpose that the individual attaches to their actions.

When assessing the outcomes of social action in youth work, this may be an interesting theory to relate to. Think about a project that is a rational action (started because it leads to a valued goal, but with no thought of its consequences). Now think about an instrumental action (started after assessing its consequences and thought of the various ways of achieving).

The creation of social action projects needs to have a meaningful benefit to society, as well as support key outcomes to young people and their development. Clear outcomes are needed from both angles for this decade of action work.

NYA supports many social action projects, all of which encourage quality. Thought is being put into measuring outcomes, not only of the overall project, but the learning, knowledge and skill gained by the experience. Through our work with the Catalyst consortium, a framework of outcomes for young people has been developed.

More work can now be done to demonstrate the key effects of social action, along with measuring key outcomes.?

Adam Williams, assistant development officer, National Youth Agency