Concept formation is predominantly analyzed in classrooms and laboratory experiments, meaning the collective formation of culturally novel concepts in practical activities 'in the wild' has largely been neglected. However, understanding and influencing the complexity and contradictions of the present world demands powerful concepts that can make a difference in practice. Going beyond the understanding of concepts as individually acquired static labels, this book develops a dialectical theory of collective formation of novel concepts in the wild, in everyday activities. Drawing on cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), concepts are seen as contested and future-oriented means for guiding activities and their transformations. Detailed real-life examples of germ-cell concepts show how they can radically influence the course of development in different activities. Helping to identify and foster the formation of potentially powerful concepts in fields of practice, it is essential reading for researchers, advanced students and practitioners across human and social sciences. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.

‘Drawing upon decades of experience and examples from his own practice, Yrjö Engeström provides a comprehensive guide which explains the principles that underpin his work. In an age of detachment and disruption, this work not only provides a powerful framework for scholars to engage but also one which focuses on providing conceptual tools which empower and support the development of agency.’

David Allen - University of Leeds

‘This book addresses collective concept formation at work and how they build new worlds of work. A memorable read that reflects the innate curiosity of its author and his long research experience.’

Silvia Gherardi - University of Trento

‘Engeström draws on his mastery of Cultural Historical Activity Theory and his decades of interventionist field research to articulate a novel theory of ‘concepts in the wild’, demonstrating their formation and development in a variety of consequential real-world settings.’

Ed Hutchins - University of California, San Diego

‘This book presents a unique perspective on the dynamics of concept formation by examining it in the problem-solving activities of everyday life, where people, individually and collectively, struggle to make sense of phenomena of practical importance. It adds detailed case studies and novel theoretical analyses, drawing from psychologists of the Russian ‘cultural-historical’ school of psychology to the literature on concept formation and conceptual change. Both make it required reading for philosophers, psychologists, and learning scientists.’

Nancy Nersessian - Regents’ Professor of Cognitive Science (Emerita), Georgia Institute of Technology