WORKING WITH HETEROGENEITY - A PLURALIST STRATEGY FOR EVALUATION

This paper explores the question of appropriate methodologies for use in the context of evaluation in the social policy arena. Evaluation in such contexts is characterised by the need to work in situations exhi biting a high degree of heterogeneity. The paper begins by presenting a critical analysis of a particular strategy for evaluation arising fr om within the systems tradition, namely contingency based approaches. It then presents an alternative way of approaching evaluation, which w e have found particularly valuable for use where a high degree of vari ety exists. The pluralist strategy described is based on acknowledging and respecting difference and then working with it, rather than ratio nalising it away through seeking a 'common' position. Elements of this strategy for evaluation will be illustrated with examples two case st udies, in Belize and London.