Abstract

Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) is a useful framework for examining learning to become a professional. This is particularly the case when professional practice is seen to be developed within specific institutional settings. However, new forms of practice are being required which call for a capacity to work with other practitioners and draw on resources that may be distributed across systems to support professional actions. In this paper the concept of relational agency is described and illustrated with reference to a series of research studies. It is argued that relational agency leads to an enhanced form of professional agency and that there are implications for the development of CHAT.

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