Understanding the drivers of engagement

Author: CASE

Institution: Matrix Knowledge Group

Full reference: Marsh, K., MacKay, S., Morton, D., Parry, W., Bertranou, E., Sarmah, R., (2010). Understanding the drivers of engagement in culture and sport: Summary report. London: dcms

Summary of key findings

One of three strands in the CASE review, this is a report of the analysis of Taking Part and the development and use of the CASE engagement simulation model

The analysis here presents key background factors that predict engagement. They include:

• Childhood experience of engaging in all types of culture is positively associated with engaging in culture as an adult.
• Those with higher levels of education are more likely to engage in culture.
• Those of higher social economic status are more likely to attend arts events, visit a heritage site, and visit a museum.
• Media consumption is positively associated with engagement in culture and sport.
• Having a sense of influence on the provision of cultural and sporting opportunities strongly predicts engagement.

The report also presents v.1.0 of a new computer model that simulates patterns of engagement in the population. This model will be accessible via DCMS for those wishing to run scenarios for business cases or policy option appraisal.

Research questions & methodology

The objective was to answer the question: What drives engagement in culture and sport?

The statistical analysis and simulation modelling draws on the available survey and administrative data. The work points to a number of important research projects to improve the evidence base available to inform the development of policies to increase engagement in culture and sport.

Given gaps in the current survey and administrative data, a simulation model was constructed to support policy makers, drawing on a wider range of evidence to predict:

• The effect of policies on engagement levels.
• The effect of future socio-economic trends on engagement levels.

The technical report and appendices present a detailed technical description of the analysis covered in the equivalent summary paper, including all references and a depth literature review.

Go to the journal article.