Nothing about me without me: The central role of program beneficiaries in developing theories of change

• Published in: Evaluation and program planning 2023-06, Vol.98, p.102277, Article 102277
• Main Authors: Sridharan, Sanjeev, Nakaima, April, Gibson, Rachael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Homelessness; Marginalization; Program beneficiaries; Theories of change
• ISSN: 0149-7189
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2023.102277

This paper discusses the central importance of involving program recipients in the initial development of the theory of change. Through an example of a drop-in located in the inner-city of Toronto, we describe how, first, theories of change based on funder and even staff perspectives may have program goals that do not connect with the lives and values of clients. Second, engagement with clients should surface heterogeneities in their expectations; many theories of change, even when they are developed with clients, assume there is a ‘homogenous’ clientele. Third, programs that address the needs of marginalized individuals need to pay attention to the dynamics of marginalization. These points have consequences for the development of the initial theories of change. •Program beneficiaries need to be centrally involved in developing theories of change, not just in validating or refining.•Theories of change need to accommodate the heterogeneities of client needs, values and expectations.•Pay attention to heterogeneity blindness -- the assumption that all clients want the same thing from an intervention.•Lived experience may be needed to understand the change process or even the desired outcomes.•Evaluators need to be sensitive about issues of temporality while working with marginalized populations.