Cultural-Historical Activity Theory

The notion that the activities humans engage in are informed by collective historical experience, interpreted in the context of evolving needs and future possibilities, is as old as mankind itself. Collective culture mediates or shapes human activity, and human activity in its enactment and purposes transforms culture. Both culture and activity have a historical basis in the purposes they serve and in the processes that render them intelligible to social actors. Changes in the goals, purposes, and/or processes necessary to living in a collective culture will lead to transformation of the social actors involved - their roles and identities.