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The Construction of Data

In: Toward Information Justice

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  • Jeffrey Alan Johnson

    (Utah Valley University)

Abstract

In this chapter, I show that data is not an objective representation of reality but rather a constructed translation of observations into legible elements designed to support governance (be it by the state or by private actors). Both technical and social structures influence this translation; the technical aspects of database architecture are insufficient by themselves to define this translation regime. Such regimes can contain three characteristic translations: normalizing translations that separate the normal from the deviant, atomizing translations that separate complexity into individual elements, and unifying translations that group diverse characteristics into categories. At the same time, these data systems translate their subjects into “inforgs,” representations that consist of bundled information rather than actually existing subjects. These acts of translation, I conclude, are significant exercises in political power.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey Alan Johnson, 2018. "The Construction of Data," Public Administration and Information Technology, in: Toward Information Justice, chapter 0, pages 51-81, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:paitcp:978-3-319-70894-2_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70894-2_3
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