Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
that is specific to a given individual (e.g. physical strength, ability to carry
out an operation, to solve a specific problem), real activity requires the
mobilization of all components of this individual.
Activity can then be defined as a
global mobilization
of the acting sub-
ject, aiming, at his behest, to find original and effective ways to do things
in the face of the reality of situations.
Subject and activity: A joint development
In the sense that 'what I am doing' (my action, its results, the quality I expect
in them) mobilizes part of 'who I am' (my body, my knowledge and also my
initiative), one can easily understand how subjective involvement in work
activity is a major issue for the mental and psychical health of workers.
Yet, confrontation with the real world is always unique and singular.
Every time, the situation is new and different. This implies that mobilization
is never a mere replication of conducts or solutions identified in the past. The
search for a suitable response, aiming for a certain degree of quality in work,
involves a form of creativity and invention that is related to a learning pro-
cess. This process is not limited to the acquisition of formal knowledge, but
may potentially extend to all aspects of the existence of the acting subject.
We propose the term
sedimentation
to refer to this added value cre-
ated in the act of work, that the subject derives from work. This sedimen-
tation may take on various forms, and should not be understood as the
simple superimposition of successive layers. Sedimentation can enrich,
modify and disrupt the way an individual relates to himself or herself
over time. It is a fertile ground from which any future mobilization will
stem (Figure 3.1).
e acting
subject
Mobilization
(in the here
and now)
Real
world
e activity
Sedimentation
(over time)
e subject
Figure 3.1
The process of mobilization and sedimentation in the acting subject.
