Data Feminism, ‘Big Dick Data’ and inequality: Developing a framework of inclusive practices to challenge and change the distribution of power in data science – Research Methods Seminar

We are pleased to announce a webinar by Dr Alison Halford, Assistant Professor, Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling.

Abstract: As organisations increasingly rely on algorithms to make decisions, Google, Amazon, and Facebook recent controversies show how structural inequalities, like racism and heteropatriarchy, inform the data processing pipeline at all stages. In the act of privileging certain knowledge, datasets, databases, and algorithms become hidden, invisible and visible forms of power. One way of addressing and dismantling oppressive power hierarchies in data science is Catherine D’Ignazio and Lauren Klein’s ‘Data feminism’, which instrumentalises feminist notions of social justice and intersectionality to develop just and equitable approaches to data science and data ethics.

In this seminar, we will explore the ways data feminism can identify the multiple axes that reproduce uses and abuses of power in data practices and design, including challenging ‘Big dick data’[i]. Then, drawing upon case studies from the Humanitarian Engineering and Energy for Displacement project (HEED) and EnergyREV project, we will consider the benefits and limitations of data feminism as an epistemology, methodology, and praxis. To conclude, we will discuss how incorporating critical reflexivity can work towards more ethical, fair, and inclusive data collection, analysis, visualisation, and decision-making.

[i] D’Ignazio and Klein, 2020, p151

How to register:

Research Methods seminars are aimed primarily at researchers at any career stage but we also welcome any CU members to join us.

Book your place below, by selecting 1 participant under RSVP and completing the information required (please do not register more than once). Please RSVP only ONCE using your Coventry University email address (without “uni”) and check your registered email for a confirmation email. Check your Spam folder if you haven’t received the confirmation in your Inbox.

Booking Closing Date:

Sign up for this event will close 24 hours before the event. If the event is on a Monday, sign-up will close on the Friday prior to the event at 10am.

Online:

This event will be held over Zoom. The meeting URL will be sent to those who have signed up.

The Research Methods seminar series aims to create a space for cross-disciplinary collaboration and developing knowledge and awareness of projects and research methodologies applied in different disciplinary areas. If you would like to present at our series or have any recommendations on topics please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Tanvir Ahmed (ad2301@coventry.ac.uk) who coordinates the seminar series.

For any queries regarding this event, please email RECAP@coventry.ac.uk ensuring that you include the name of this event in the subject line.