Participatory systems mapping as relational (but not relational enough) method for evaluating complex social phenomena

IMPACTPractitioners evaluating complex social phenomena such as the youth mental health crisis, segregation, or childhood poverty can benefit from taking a complexity-informed, participatory approach. This approach contributes to moving beyond linear and reductionist thinking by emphasizing the interconnected and systemic nature of public policy, program and project evaluation. This article provides practitioners with a better understanding of participatory systems mapping (PSM) as a tool for evaluation and enhances their informed use of it. When designing processes and using complexity-informed evaluation tools, it is important to stay aware of the situation and pay attention to relations, conflicts, and power imbalances in participatory settings. Participatory evaluation methods like PSM are valuable because they support inclusive, informed, and data-driven evaluations that highlight the relational aspects of complex social issues.