Parr, S. and Churchill, H. (2020) The Troubled Families Programme : learning about policy impact through realist case study research. Social Policy & Administration, 54 (1). pp. 134-147. ISSN 0144-5596
Abstract
This article aims to critically explore how qualitative case study research that is founded on realist principles can fundamentally enhance social policy evaluation methodologies and, in turn, provide improved learning for policy makers and practitioners. We suggest these methodological advantages are accrued through the careful construction of theory-based explanations of 'how' policy programmes work thereby addressing the limitations of quasiexperimental methods - namely a focus on and prioritisation of outcome measures. The paper situates this key argument within wider, long-standing debates about evidence-based policy-making and what constitutes 'evidence' of impact in social policy. It does so through reflection on the contentious and contradictory knowledge claims that surround the Troubled Families Programme and evaluative claims regarding its efficacy. In conclusion and looking forward, we suggest that there remains much scope to combine 'intensive' qualitative case studies with 'extensive' quantitative measures within local and national evaluations of complex, multi-dimensional social policies, such as the Troubled Families Programme.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. This is an author-produced version of a paper subsequently published in Social Policy & Administration. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Troubled Families; evaluation; case study |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Department of Sociological Studies (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 22 Jul 2019 15:23 |
Last Modified: | 26 Jul 2021 00:38 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/spol.12529 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:146930 |