Approaches to incorporating equity into program evaluation: A scoping review

Recognizing the ways in which traditional program evaluation approaches can perpetuate and reinforce systemic oppression, the field of program evaluation is at a crossroads. There is a newfound focus on promoting and advancing social justice and equity in the field of program evaluation. There are various fields of evaluation that have a focus on equity, with some types of evaluation such as decolonial and culturally responsive evaluation having been well established and new approaches such as equitable evaluation. The present scoping review sought to create a snapshot of existing equitable evaluation and other evaluation approach literature that seek to advance equity in process and/or outcome. A scoping review of English academic and grey literature (N = 42) of equity-focused or promoting evaluation frameworks such as equitable evaluation, culturally responsive, anti-racist, decolonial, and Indigenous evaluation was conducted. After reviewing the literature, we identified seven common themes for advancing equity in evaluation: a consideration of context, engaging with program partners, adapting traditional evaluation instruments and methods, utilizing a strengths-based focus, engaging in self-reflection and self-learning, shifting/addressing power imbalances, and the use of participatory methods. Identified themes can act as guiding principles, with which to advance equity-focused evaluation practices. Implications and future directions in promoting social justice in the field of program evaluation are discussed.