Data in Society: Challenging Statistics in an Age of Globalisation

Data is a social phenomenon. This book examines the ways in which we are constantly engaging with data—consciously and otherwise. The authors analyze the construction and use of statistics by governmental and non-governmental organizations, looking at how statistics are used in social discourse to advance interests and to achieve particular, often political, ends. Data in Society also considers the increasing power of private corporations and transnational organizations, looking at recent processes affecting ownership of and access to data, as well as the importance of data in uncovering and portraying social and legal injustices.