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Governance by Numbers: A Panopticon Reversed?

Author

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  • Julian Hamann

    (Leibniz Center for Science and Society, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany)

Abstract

This commentary is concerned with a specific form of power and discipline that is exerted through governance by numbers. Because of its many parallels to classical Foucauldian panopticism, governance based on numbers can be coined ‘numerocratic panopticism.’ Yet, going beyond similarities between classical and numerocratic panopticism, the commentary suggests three features specific to numerocratic panopticism that actually reverse characteristic traits of classical panopticism: In contrast to classical panopticism, numerocratic panopticism is multi-centered, non-spatial and open-purpose. Research on governance by numbers can benefit from a heuristic of panopticism if it considers both similarities and differences between classical and numerocratic panopticism.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian Hamann, 2020. "Governance by Numbers: A Panopticon Reversed?," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 68-71.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v:8:y:2020:i:2:p:68-71
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guus Dix & Wolfgang Kaltenbrunner & Joeri Tijdink & Govert Valkenburg & Sarah de Rijcke, 2020. "Algorithmic Allocation: Untangling Rival Considerations of Fairness in Research Management," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 15-25.
    2. Maarten Hillebrandt, 2020. "Keeping One’s Shiny Mercedes in the Garage: Why Higher Education Quantification Never Really Took Off in Germany," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 48-57.
    3. Michael Huber, 2020. "Steered by Numbers: How Quantification Differentiates the Reform of a German University," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 26-35.
    4. Camille Kandiko Howson & Alex Buckley, 2020. "Quantifying Learning: Measuring Student Outcomes in Higher Education in England," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 6-14.
    5. Leopold Ringel & Jelena Brankovic & Tobias Werron, 2020. "The Organizational Engine of Rankings: Connecting “New” and “Old” Institutionalism," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 36-47.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maarten Hillebrandt & Michael Huber, 2020. "Editorial: Quantifying Higher Education: Governing Universities and Academics by Numbers," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 1-5.

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