6: Good Practices Research: From Selection to Impact Evaluation^*

This chapter aims to sociologically examine the concept of a good practice. In today’s social context – characterized by constant changes and extreme complexity – identifying and studying practices that can be deemed “good” under specific conditions is neither an immediate nor a straightforward task (Bifulco, 2016). This very difficulty makes our reflection even more meaningful, as it allows us to advance our understanding of often-overlooked or barely visible social dynamics that rarely receive adequate attention, despite being essential for ensuring a high quality of life for both individuals and communities as a whole (Donati, 2011).

As will be explored in the following pages, the analysis of good practices goes beyond merely describing positive experiences; it requires an in-depth study of the conditions that make them effective, the mechanisms that facilitate their dissemination, and the relational networks that support their development (Pastore, 2018). In this sense, the concept of good practice is not merely a collection of isolated actions but rather an integral part of broader social processes capable of generating lasting impacts on social structures and relationships among different stakeholders involved (Colozzi, 2005). To fully understand these phenomena and their effects – also referred to as social outcomes – it is essential to adopt an appropriate interpretative framework. Thus, the study of good practices becomes not only an exercise in sociological analysis but also an opportunity to identify innovative models of social intervention that can effectively respond to the challenges posed by continuous change and transformations in contemporary society (Moro, 2013).