Social analysis
This page addresses the theory and practise of social analysis. There are overlaps and synergies between the present set of methods and approaches and the other two overarching methods, namely Participation and participatory approaches and Stakeholder analysis.
Terminology that relate to social analysis are available here. Documents on stakeholder analysis are available here. Links that relate to stakeholder analysis are available here.
Introduction and overview
Social analysis involves examination of the socio-cultural, institutional, cultural, historical, and political contexts of proposed development interventions. Furthermore, it means identifying and analyzing stakeholders’ views and priorities, with a view to involving as many as possible in the overall developmental process. The overarching purpose and goal is to contribute to making more sustainable and equitable development outcomes. Specific methods applied include participatory approaches, Poverty and Social Impact Analysis (PSIA), social assessment, and stakeholder analysis.
One starting point for social analysis is the methodology of participant observation, as developed specifically in anthropology. Another starting point is participation and participatory approaches (see above). Finally, stakeholder analysis (see above), which partly can be understood as a further development and formalization of work on participatory approaches, has become an important element of social analysis.
Sources: Mozammel and Zatlokal (2002); Soeftestad (2005); World Bank (n.d., 1995, 2003, 2005). [access]
Specific tools and approaches
(Information to be added)