Social action is a way of existence of a person, a society, which manifests itself in a deliberate transformation and reflection of the world, living conditions. Moreover, the impact occurs both on what already exists in nature and on what is artificially formed by the individual (people).
Social action includes contradictions, basic features and driving forces that are characteristic of social reality. It is no coincidence that it was he who was given the central place by outstanding scientists. So, for example, Weber developed the theory of social action. In his opinion, it can focus on both expected and present, as well as past human behavior. At the same time, social action (non-interference in particular) may constitute revenge for insults in the past, protection from danger today or prevention of that which is supposed tomorrow. It can be aimed at both strangers and familiar people.
According to Weber's concept, social action has two characteristics. First of all, it is distinguished by rationalism and awareness. Secondly, it is aimed at the behavior of other people.
Social action is determined by a specific human need. This need is formed into an ideal goal. This is the internal impulse that causes the action, to some extent an energy source. Dissatisfaction of various kinds takes various forms (hunger, anxiety, creative anxiety, moral discomfort, etc.). All of them indicate contradictions that take place between what people need and what they possess in certain given conditions. Dissatisfaction provokes a certain action. The goal is the expected result, in which the need is supposed to find its solution. Thus, after reaching the goal there comes an equilibrium moment between the needs and the desired.
It should be noted that not every action can be called social. This is due to the fact that it is not always aimed at other people.
So, for example, a highly specialized scientific figure may strive to realize a specific scientific and cognitive need. He knows the situation involving certain known information and data that need to be investigated. In accordance with this, the scientist develops a solution plan, making assumptions, hypothesizing, selecting methods of evidence. In this case, the action is not social. Of course, the ability to set a scientific goal, its very solution is a product of the development of society. In addition, the scientist in his search is based on the foundation formed by previous generations. In this sense, the scientist looks at the problem being solved through the eyes of society as a whole. However, at a particular moment in the course of solving the problem, the search itself does not apply to the social action.
The situation is perceived differently if, in the course of his research, the scientist feels the need to create favorable conditions. This need can be expressed, for example, in gaining the recognition of colleagues, in overcoming possible obstacles, and more. In this case, science is seen as the interaction of people. As a result, there is a social action.
The indicated status arises due to the formation of a focus on other individuals, when indirect or direct interaction is envisaged.
As the meaning-forming principle of social action, one can consider motivation and the source of social development. Orientation towards others is essentially the most important means and condition contributing to the satisfaction of human needs, the realization of life goals.
