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Award-winning science journalist Angela Saini investigates the bias lurking within data collection and human classification, and interrogates what purpose it truly serves.
Our societies are underpinned by technologies that rely on being able to sort us into categories as defined by governments, big institutions and corporations. We’re told that the more data we provide, the better off we will be. Angela Saini explains why this faith is misplaced and how tick-boxes can harm us.
Data systems built on the shaky foundation of human classification have turned out to be riddled with errors, some so fatal that they’re exacerbating inequality and discrimination. At best, the categories we’re offered are shadowy versions of reality; at worst, they perpetuate crude stereotypes.
Extraordinary lengths are taken to make sure nobody goes unclassified, but why is it so important to those in power that we be relentlessly defined by race, gender, caste and disability? When systems fail, we blame not having enough data, or the way that data is used, but we never ask if the root of our problems is the foundational myth that putting people in boxes actually works. Saini argues that classification too often reinforces the same injustices that created those categories in the first place.
OTHER calls for a radical rethinking of the use of human classification, with potentially profound implications for data collection, social policy, healthcare and scientific research – as well as how we imagine ourselves.
PRAISE FOR THE PATRIARCHS: -
‘This is an impressive, breathtaking and thought-provoking book which unwraps the concept and history of patriarchy with clear intellectual precision’ Financial Times -
‘An urgent and necessary wake-up call of a book, teeming with research without being taut . . . The Patriarchs is a hopeful, essential read, not just for feminists, but for anyone with a stake in existence’ Irish Times -
‘I learned something new on every page of this totally essential book. And for such a serious topic, I was surprised to be greatly entertained too. Angela is the best possible guide’ Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland -
‘The Patriarchs is an optimistic book … it shows that more equal societies are possible and do thrive – historically, now and everywhere’ Guardian -
‘A rigorous and illuminating read’ inews -
‘A deep and incisive look at the historical origins of patriarchal structures we are still fighting today. A must-read for every feminist’ Rafia Zakaria, author of Against White Feminism -
‘This is a truly excellent, important and insightful book’ Janina Ramirez, author of Femina -
‘Bold, incisive, and beautifully told, The Patriarchs is a truly riveting investigation into the origins and consequences of structural power. The depth and originality of Angela Saini’s thought and research is breath-taking, and world-changing. A phenomenally important and deeply enjoyable book’ Elinor Cleghorn, author of Unwell Women -
‘Saini brings sparkling intelligence to this debate. She is brilliant at ferreting out intriguing nuggets of information and synthesising them into a big but not over-simplified picture’ Observer -