Participatory Evaluation: Towards a Transformation of Assessment for Women’s Studies Programs and Projects

Abstract

This paper addresses some of the concerns inherent in evaluating women’s studies programs and projects. It focuses on the following four areas: a) discussion of objections raised by feminists about traditional forms of assessment; b) consideration of criticisms of traditional evaluations expressed by nontraditional evaluators; c) description of the strengths and weaknesses of illuminative evaluation as an alternative approach to assessing women’s studies programs; and d) introduction of a new model of evaluation which is herein termed “participatory evaluation.” Participatory evaluation is a process allowing for the use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. It recognizes the importance of the evaluator’s role as knowledgeable insider rather than neutral outsider and facilitates development of trust between assessor and those being assessed. Evaluations based on trust permit a highly interactive form of assessment. Participatory evaluation is not only compatible with feminist theory and practice, but it is also appropriate for the assessment of women’s studies programs and projects.