Abstract
Although community-based projects have introduced a successful model for addressing many social problems, less consideration has been given to how such projects should be evaluated. This paper considers whether the philosophy underlying community-based practice is compatible with data collection. Specifically at issue is whether empirical indicators are helpful to summarize a project. Although having valid knowledge is important, this paper makes a distinction between merely collecting data versus understanding the course of a project. The key point is that community participation requires a unique perspective on how knowledge is negotiated and interpreted.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 2 |
Pages (from-to) | 9-22 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - Dec 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Community health
- Community-based philosophy
- Social theory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)