5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

Social indicators for the study of public policies, whether for their design or evaluation, can be quantitative and/or qualitative. They make it possible to systematize observable information with a descriptive, explanatory or normative function for these policies. There can be multiple indicators: baseline, complementary, context, design, management, process, results, impact, satisfaction, ex-ante and ex-post, etc. The development of indicators provides a system for collecting information to define a baseline situation. It also makes it possible to analyze the evolution of the variables analyzed. Finally, it makes it possible to evaluate the achievement of the objectives of an intervention and its impact on society or the beneficiaries. In this session, we will analyze public policies aimed at combating socio-economic inequalities. Proposals based on applications in the different dimensions of inequality will be considered. They can be implemented in local or more global contexts, referred to a territory or compared between different territories, national or international. Methodological and technical communications may also be proposed, with data sources. We will also receive critical analysis of the scope and limitations of existing indicator systems, with proposals for improvement.