| Session Title: Learning From Each “Other”: Should The Cultural Characteristics of the Evaluator Match the Cultural Characteristics of the Population of Interest? |
| Debate Session 386 to be held in Peale Room on Thursday, November 8, 1:55 PM to 3:25 PM |
| Sponsored by the International and Cross-cultural Evaluation TIG |
| Chair(s): |
| Susan Connors, University of Colorado, Denver, susan.connors@cudenver.edu |
| Presenter(s): |
| Gregory Diggs, University of Colorado, Denver, shupediggs@netzero.com |
| Wendy Dubow, National Research Center Inc, wendy.dubow@n-r-c.com |
| Abstract: To infuse concepts of deliberative democracy into program evaluation, evaluators should include stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds in evaluation activities. But how do we move from theories of inclusion to actually recruiting and engaging this diversity? Referencing experience in conducting focus groups with diverse communities, two evaluators will debate the need for a match between the focus group facilitator and participants. Does the inclusion of diverse stakeholders in program evaluation provide adequate voice and representation for deliberative democracy? Do cross-cultural matches inhibit the voice and participation of stakeholders who represent diversity? Dr. DuBow argues that a demographic and/or cultural match is very important in order to demonstrate interest, respect and cultural responsiveness to the groups of interest. Because there are few trained facilitators of color, Dr. Diggs argues that a cultural match is not always practical. Technical skill should not be traded in the service of cultural responsiveness. |