Discover the profound implications of our data-obsessed society through 'The Metric Society.' This engaging book by Steffen Mau delves into the phenomenon of quantification in contemporary life. As our world is increasingly shaped by numerical values from university rankings to social media scores, understanding the influence of metrics is essential. This pivotal analysis reveals how the original intentions of transparency and trust have morphed into a system of social conditioning. Through insightful exploration, Mau illustrates how ranking and scoring systems distort our perception of value and cultivate competitive mindsets. Not only does this transformation promote social hierarchies, but it also magnifies quantitative inequalities that significantly impact individuals' life chances. 'The Metric Society' is an essential read for students and scholars in the social sciences, as well as anyone intrigued by the growing cult of numbers. With 200 pages of in-depth analysis, the book enables readers to grasp the complexities of a society enthralled by metrics, encouraging critical thought on how these indicators shape our lives and societal structures. The paperback edition, published by John Wiley & Sons in 2019, comes in brand new condition, ensuring a fresh reading experience. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781509530410
Year: 2019
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons (UK)
Pages: 200


Description:


In today™s world, numbers are in the ascendancy. Societies dominated by star ratings, scores, likes and lists are rapidly emerging, as data are collected on virtually every aspect of our lives. From annual university rankings, ratings agencies and fitness tracking technologies to our credit score and health status, everything and everybody is measured and evaluated.


In this important new book, Steffen Mau offers a critical analysis of this increasingly pervasive phenomenon. While the original intention behind the drive to quantify may have been to build trust and transparency, Mau shows how metrics have in fact become a form of social conditioning. The ubiquitous language of ranking and scoring has changed profoundly our perception of value and status. What is more, through quantification, our capacity for competition and comparison has expanded significantly “ we can now measure ourselves against others in practically every area. The rise of quantification has created and strengthened social hierarchies, transforming qualitative differences into quantitative inequalities that play a decisive role in shaping the life chances of individuals.


This timely analysis of the pernicious impact of quantification will appeal to students and scholars across the social sciences, as well as anyone concerned by the cult of numbers and its impact on our lives and societies today.