Considering the Social Determinants of Equity in International Development Evaluation Guidance Documents

Abstract

Several international development organizations have published equity-focused evaluation guidance documents to promote and meet an increased demand for equity-focused evaluation practice. Evaluating progress toward equity necessitates focusing on changes in the social determinants of equity (i.e., barriers and enabling factors). Thus, the purpose of this study is to describe how and the extent to which international development organizations recommend addressing the social determinants of equity in evaluation practice guidance documents. Implications for evaluation quality, cultural responsiveness, and the decolonization of evaluation are discussed and a summary of practical examples and guidance is presented.