Two Emerging Types of Social Action in Japan: The Integration of Social Work Theory and Empowerment

Abstract

This paper examines the theoretical background of the current interpretations of social action in Japan. By classifying previous studies describing the process of social action, this study suggests two types of social action in Japanese social work theory: direct action and indirect action. Direct action includes such activities as petitions, lobbying, and legal action while indirect action includes negotiation and coordination. When the idea of social action was introduced to Japan, the concept only involved direct action. However, indirect action became one of the main components of social work, and today, these two concepts coexist in Japanese social work. These changes stem from the integration of social work theory and the Japanese interpretation of empowerment. Further studies on social action that adopts these two categories, direct action and indirect action, are required not only to accumulate research but also to construct a practice model of social work.