Policy Press

Data Lives

How Data Are Made and Shape Our World

By Rob Kitchin

Published

Feb 3, 2021

Page count

274 pages

ISBN

978-1529215144

Dimensions

216 x 138 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 3, 2021

Page count

274 pages

ISBN

978-1529215151

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 3, 2021

Page count

274 pages

ISBN

978-1529215151

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Data Lives

The word ‘data’ has entered everyday conversation, but do we really understand what it means? How can we begin to grasp the scope and scale of our new data-rich world, and can we truly comprehend what is at stake?

In Data Lives, renowned social scientist Rob Kitchin explores the intricacies of data creation and charts how data-driven technologies have become essential to how society, government and the economy work.

Creatively blending scholarly analysis, biography and fiction, he demonstrates how data are shaped by social and political forces, and the extent to which they influence our daily lives.

He reveals our data world to be one of potential danger, but also of hope.

Rob Kitchin is a Professor in the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute, Ireland. He is author/editor of a number of books about technology and society and is a recipient of the Royal Irish Academy’s Gold Medal for the Social Sciences.

Part 1 ~ Introduction

Data Stories

Part 2 ~ the Life of Data

Blind Data

The Nature of Data

Gridlock

In Data We Trust

How to Lose (and Regain) 3.6 Billion Euros

Harmonizing Data Is Hard

Open and Shut Case

The Politics of Building Civic Tech

So More Trumps Better?

Hustling for Funding

The Secret Science of Formulas

The End of the Data Lifecycle

Part 3 ~ Living With Data

Traces and Shadows

Recommended Life

The Quantified Self

Fighting Fires

Management by Metrics

Guinea Pigs

Big Brother Is Watching and Controlling You

Security Theatre

When a Country Ignores Its Own Data

Data Theft

Data for the People, by the People

Black Data Matters

Part 4 ~ Conclusion

A Matter of Life and Death

Data Futures

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