Investigating causal pathways is a powerful way to support systemic change: Combating the myths that get in the way

The CLARISSA project is a powerful opportunity to combat the myths the evaluation field often repeats about when and where we can deeply investigate causality. It helps make visible how evaluative stories that include causal pathways are powerful and actionable, including for those in the system currently being harmed and seeking to prevent harm. This presentation will build on the CLARISSA case study and explore four key myths about causal work, including (1) that causal pathways implies linear pathways to change, which makes it inappropriate for systems change settings; (2) causal pathways methods are not accessible to communities and those experiencing inequities; (3) studying causality is primarily about looking back, rather than helping the work that is happening today; and (4) we cannot investigate causal pathways with rigor unless we use experimental and quasi-experimental designs. The presentation will end with an invitation to the audience to ask questions about CLARISSA including how made causal pathways visible.