Outcomes beyond evaluation: The impetus and measure of relationships within alternative provisions

Johnston, Craig

Abstract

In the context of rising interest in Alternative Provisions (APs) amongst policymakers and researchers in England, this article examines social capital and accountability in this ‘new’ field of enquiry. APs stress the value of supportive relationships for the generation of trust, belonging, reciprocities, and a broadening of these aspects of social capital through close networks, but how are these to be portrayed through emerging accountability measures? We focus on the potential and limitations of social capital for encompassing more than measurable outcomes. The article will revisit social capital by analysing the original sites of the production of this theory and its significance to emerging policy processes and relationship-based practices in APs. We argue that as a metaphor for the positive consequences of relationships, social capital has a place in the knowledge and processes that underpin APs, but its significance rests in its ability to overcome the issues related to social segregation, power, and (school) exclusion.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: Norland Annual Research Conference
• Start Date: Jun 24, 2025
• End Date: Jun 24, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Jun 24, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 8, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 9, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14684013