Coming to Terms with Chance: Engaging Rational Discrimination and Cumulative Disadvantage

Gandy, Oscar H.

ISBN 10: 1138260479 / ISBN 13: 9781138260474

Published by Routledge, 2016

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Coming to Terms with Chance: Engaging Rational Discrimination and Cumulative Disadvantage
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1138260479
• ISBN 13: 9781138260474
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: Like New
• Book Type: book

About this title

Synopsis

The application of probability and statistics to an ever-widening number of life-decisions serves to reproduce, reinforce, and widen disparities in the quality of life that different groups of people can enjoy. As a critical technology assessment, the ways in which bad luck early in life increase the probability that hardship and loss will accumulate across the life course are illustrated. Analysis shows the ways in which individual decisions, informed by statistical models, shape the opportunities people face in both market and non-market environments. Ultimately, this book challenges the actuarial logic and instrumental rationalism that drives public policy and emphasizes the role that the mass media play in justifying its expanded use. Although its arguments and examples take as their primary emphasis the ways in which these decision systems affect the life chances of African-Americans, the findings are also applicable to a broad range of groups burdened by discrimination.

About the Author

Oscar H. Gandy, Jr, is Professor Emeritus of Communication, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, USA.