Economic Evaluation in the Social Welfare Field

Abstract

This article argues that economists have a potentially valuable contribution to make to evaluation in the social welfare field, provided they are willing to embrace a more flexible and eclectic approach to economic evaluation. It contrasts the perspectives of mainstream economists and other evaluators working in this field, which often appear to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. This may explain why the role of economists often seems to be marginalized - the ends don't meet. Although different approaches to evaluation are to some extent complementary, the article argues that economists can learn from other perspectives on evaluation and should consider adapting or building on more conventional approaches to economic evaluation, where appropriate. This would help to improve the validity and generalizability of their results and would also facilitate more co-operative working with evaluators from other disciplines - helping to make ends meet.