Theory-based evaluation and the social impact of the arts

Galloway, S. (2009) Theory-based evaluation and the social impact of the arts. Cultural Trends, 18(2), pp. 125-148. (doi: 10.1080/09548960902826143)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09548960902826143

Abstract

The well documented challenges in researching the social impacts of the arts are closely related to key issues in contemporary social research and evaluation, most particularly the problem of causal attribution. The article contends that some of the most common criticisms of the evidence base for the social impact of the arts relate to the successionist model of change which underpins positivist social science research and evaluation. Illustrating this with reference to research on the arts and quality of life, the article considers the alternative generative understanding of causation that underpins theory-based evaluation (TBE) approaches, favoured recently in the UK as part of the ‘What Works?’ agenda. While these approaches fit well with knowledge about the determinants of arts impact, the article considers whether infact TBE approaches offer an effective strategy for understanding how and why arts engagement can result in social change. The limitations and possibilities of TBE are considered with reference to four recent UK studies of the impact of the arts on individuals which make use of them.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:arts, social impact, theory based evaluation, realistic evaluation, Theory of Change, quality of life.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Galloway, Ms Susan
Authors: Galloway, S.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
Journal Name:Cultural Trends
ISSN:0954-8963

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