4.1.1. Definition of community action

Community action also known as “social action”, “community engagement” or “community development” can be used in different fields and it constitutes the putative definition as "(...) a continuous process aimed at improving the quality of life of the community. It is about continual improvement by the people themselves to bring about change in their lives.” Moreover, it is also known as “(...) any activity that increases the understanding, engagement and empowerment of communities in the design and delivery of local services.” These approaches forge “(...) alliances with relevant stakeholders in the community to explore and develop solutions to local problems”, building more inclusive Higher Education institutions and integration environments by favouring the enrolment of refugees and migrants with international protection status. However, we shall consider Weber's concepts of “action’” as “(...) the acting individual attaches a subjective meaning to his behavior – be it overt or covert, omission or acquiescence. Action is ‘social’ insofar as its subjective meaning takes account of the behavior of others and is thereby oriented in its course”(1978: 4)”
Even the definition of Sociology, shall mean here: “(...) a science which seeks interpretive understanding (deutend verstehen) of social action, and thereby will causally explain its course and effects. By ‘action’ is meant human behaviour linked to a subjective meaning (Sinn) on the part of the actor or actors concerned; such behaviour may be overt or occur inwardly – whether by positive action, or by refraining from such action, or by acquiescence to some situation. Such behaviour is ‘social’ action where the meaning intended by the actor or actors is related to the behaviour of others, and conduct so oriented.” (Whimster, 2003: 312). It is social action thus understood that constitutes the sociological locus of interest and that is treated as the central analytical unit in Weberian sociology.