Algorithmic Society: Technology, Power, and Knowledge

Algorithms have become the main mediator through which power is enacted in our society, and this book offers a broad cultural-political analysis of the mechanisms and social implications of algorithmic governance. It covers topics such as algorithmic governmentality, transparency and accountability, fairness in criminal justice and predictive policing, and principles of good digital administration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In today's society, we are immersed in an algorithmic world, where algorithms have assumed a central role in enacting power. This book brings together three academic disciplines, namely Public Administration, Criminal Justice, and Urban Governance, into a unified conceptual framework, offering a comprehensive cultural-political analysis of the impact of algorithms. Governments are increasingly relying on algorithms to predict crime, deliver public services, allocate resources, and calculate recidivism rates. These algorithms analyze vast amounts of data about our daily lives, shaping decisions that govern, control, and influence our behavior in everyday life.

The contributions in this book provide a broad examination of the mechanisms and societal implications of algorithmic governance. Drawing from the forefront of scientific research, the results offer insightful perspectives on the relationship between algorithms and power. Key topics covered include:

Algorithmic Governmentality: This explores how algorithms are shaping the exercise of government power and the emergence of new forms of governance. It examines how algorithms are used to monitor, control, and manipulate individuals and communities, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and the erosion of democratic norms.

Transparency and Accountability: Algorithms' opacity and lack of human oversight can make it challenging to assess their fairness and reliability. This chapter examines the importance of transparency and accountability in algorithmic decision-making, exploring strategies for ensuring that algorithms are transparent, explainable, and accountable to the public.

Fairness in Criminal Justice and Predictive Policing: Algorithms are being used in criminal justice systems to predict and prevent crime, as well as to allocate resources and manage offender populations. This chapter explores the ethical implications of these practices, including issues of bias, discrimination, and the potential for exacerbating existing social inequalities.

Principles of Good Digital Administration: As governments increasingly rely on digital technologies to deliver public services, it is crucial to establish principles of good digital administration. This chapter discusses the principles of effective digital governance, including data privacy, security, and accessibility.

Artificial Intelligence in the Smart City: The rise of smart cities is driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This chapter examines the potential benefits and risks of AI in urban governance, including issues of surveillance, privacy, and the distribution of power.

This book is a valuable resource for students and scholars in Sociology, Criminology, Public Administration, Political Sciences, and Cultural Theory who are interested in understanding the integration of algorithms into the governance of society. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the complex issues surrounding algorithmic governance, offering insights into the social, political, and ethical implications of these technologies.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367204310