MA Thesis Abstract
Do it alone, it's weird.
Do it with others, it's a club.
The thesis evaluates the usability of the cost-benefit analysis method in the context of cultural policies, with a narrower focus on public policies on theatre. Limitations and possibilities in the use of this 'hard' monetization-based method in assessing the theoretically 'soft' policy possibly containing various intangible components are indicated on two levels. On a theoretical level, conclusions will firstly be drawn from critiques towards this tool in general, and secondly, from an analysis of studies conducted in the framework of cultural economics, with a focus on the issues regarding theatre if possible. On a practical level, the validity of these theoretical limitations is tested through an attempted application of the method on the Estonian theatre policy. The study suggests general conclusions regarding the possibilities of using this or related methods in assessing theatre policies, and specific conclusions regarding the problems found in the context of the Estonian policy. (© Marko Lepik, 2005)