SAS2 Social Analysis Tools

SAS² tools support diagnostic thinking in groups of various sizes. The Social Analysis Techniques are organized into modules that reflect three basic questions applicable to any situation: what are the problems people face, who are the actors or stakeholders affected by a situation or with the capacity to intervene, and what are the options for action? Since these three basic questions depend on and interact with each other, there can be no fixed point of entry into a diagnostic process for all situations. In order to define a problem, you need to know whose problem it is. But in order to identify the concerned parties, you have to know what problems they have in common. The problems and actors you focus on also depend on the goals or options you have in mind. SAS² Instructions help you select the point of entry in a particular context.

All-Purpose Techniques are generic in nature and can be applied to any topic where you need to gather, organize, analyse and communicate information on peoples' knowledge and views of reality. They also help you select the best forum and participation strategies to meet your needs.

Simpler and more advanced versions of the Social Analysis Techniques and the All-Purpose Techniques allow for the adjustment of diagnostic assessments to different contexts, depending on the time available and goals. This problem-solving orientation creates the internal flexibility needed to accommodate tools from a variety of sources and disciplines. Advanced applications and didactic uses of some SAS² techniques are supported by Software.