Mesurarles

Mesurarles is a term used in contemporary discussions of evaluation and ethics to describe the process and philosophy of measuring the impacts of actions, programs, or policies on other people or groups, with attention to the relational dynamics between the measurer and the subjects. It emphasizes that measurement should be responsive to those affected and avoid reducing people to mere data points.

Etymology and usage: The term combines the Spanish verb mesurar, meaning to measure, with the indirect object pronoun les (them). It is not standardized in dictionaries and is used primarily in theoretical or critical discourse to signal measuring with responsibility toward others.

Definition and scope: Mesurarles covers both quantitative indicators and qualitative accounts that aim to represent the lived experiences and priorities of impacted communities. It invites participatory design, co-creation of metrics, and transparency about who defines success and how data are interpreted. The concept foregrounds consent, representation, and context in the measurement process.

Applications: In policy evaluation, humanitarian work, and organizational reporting, mesurarles advocates for metrics that reflect social values and fairness, and it can accompany reflective practices that examine power relations in data collection and use.

Criticism and debates: Critics warn that as a neologism, it can be vague or rhetorically loaded. Proponents contend it raises ethical stakes and fosters more inclusive measurement cultures by centering those affected in the act of measurement.

See also: measurement, evaluation, participatory methods, ethics of reporting.