Understanding 'context' in realist evaluation and synthesis

Context is a key concept in developing realist causal explanations but its conceptualisation has received comparatively less attention. We conducted a review to explore how context is conceptualised within realist reviews and evaluations. We purposively selected 40 studies to examine: How is context defined? And how is context operationalised in the findings? We identified two key 'narratives' in the way context was conceptualised: 1) Context as observable features (space, place, people, things) that triggered or blocked the intervention; assuming that context operates at one moment in time and sets in motion a chain reaction of events. 2) Context as the relational and dynamic features that shaped the mechanisms through which the intervention works; assuming that context operates in a dynamic, emergent way over time at multiple different levels of the social system. These two context narratives have different implications for the design, goals and impact of realist reviews and evaluations.

Automated summary

This study reviews how context is conceptualised within realist reviews and evaluations, identifying two key 'narratives' in the way context was understood. One narrative sees context as observable features that trigger or block interventions, while the other views context as relational and dynamic features shaping intervention mechanisms. These different narratives have implications for the design, goals, and impact of realist reviews and evaluations.