Forging Local Community Workers: An Investigation on the Factors Affecting Involvement and Retention

Abstract

<p>本研究討論影響地方工作者動機與持續實踐行動的主客觀因素。本研究所稱的地方工作者，指的是其實踐行動有助提升在地地方感的行動者。基於20位受訪者的訪談、參與觀察以及相關次級資料，本研究做出以下結論：從鉅觀到微觀，各種社會因素觸發行動者投入地方工作，不論是讓行動者產生關懷在地的動機、行動，或是讓已有動機的行動者能付諸實踐。除了對議題的關心，這些實踐的行動更與行動者的自我實現互相關聯。隨行動者持續展開行動，其地方工作的身分逐漸明確，同時也在過程中獲得所需的各種資本，這些資本具有一定的在地專屬性，產生的鎖入效果也讓行動者持續投入地方工作。</p> <p> </p><p>This study investigated why individuals want to be community workers and how they maintain their practices. The conclusions presented herein are based on 20 interviews, participant observation, and secondary data. Social factors at different levels inspire individuals to value some aspects of the community and to better their community. Community workers often see their community service as part of their self-actualization. As they continue to engage in community service, community workers develop their identities as community workers, and the capital required for their service accumulates. Some types of capital are location-specific, which produces a lock-in effect that inspires community workers to continue engaging in community service.</p> <p> </p>