Mapping Theories of Practice and Change: A Comparative Analysis of Intervention Programs Addressing Racial and Ethnic Tensions in United States Communities

In diverse communities across the U.S., a growing number of non-profit organizations are developing innovative programs and approaches to address tensions among racial and ethnic groups. These programs offer many success stories in transforming people’s attitudes and behaviors, intergroup relationships, and social institutions and policies, yet few efforts have been made to recognize and compare the variety of theories of practice, theories of change, methods, and intended effects of these interventions. This study provided case studies and a comparative analysis of ten intervention programs including trainings, facilitated dialogues, and cooperative planning and problem-solving meetings addressing racial and ethnic conflict in U.S. communities. It articulated and compared practitioners’ theories of practice and change, methods, and intended effects in preparation for testing and strengthening the underlying frameworks and models for intervention. In developing the framework for comparative analysis, this research:

1) helped link programmatic theory with existing scholarly research and theory on racial and ethnic conflict resolution; 2) developed a typology of theories of practice for addressing racial and ethnic tensions in U.S. communities; 3) identified criteria for a comparative assessment of intervention models; 4) outlined coordinated strategies for intervention; and 5) related the often-disconnected research and discourse on ethnic conflict interventions.