Statistical data and evidence-based claims are increasingly central to our everyday lives. Critically examining ‘Big Data’, this book charts the recent explosion in sources of data, including those precipitated by global developments and technological change. It sets out changes and controversies related to data harvesting and construction, dissemination and data analytics by a range of private, governmental and social organisations in multiple settings.





Analysing the power of data to shape political debate, the presentation of ideas to us by the media, and issues surrounding data ownership and access, the authors suggest how data can be used to uncover injustices and to advance social progress.

Contributions by: Jim Ridgway, Ron Johnston, Liliana Bounegru, Jonathan Gray, Amy Sippitt, Spencer Hedger, Sinclair Sutherland, James Nicholson, Charlotte Brookfield, Luke Sloan, Malcolm Williams, Keiko Yasukawa, James Goodman, Nour Dados, Kate Bloor, Ludi Simpson, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Jay Ginn, Richard Cookson, Tim Doran, Roy Carr-Hill, David Walker, Prem Sikka, Rebecca Boden, Paul Bivand, Stewart Lansley, Christopher Deeming, Steve Fothergill, Christina Beatty, David Byrne, David Rhind, Richard Murphy, Alessio D'Angelo, Eleonore Kofman, Brad Blitz, Roy Carr-Hill, Adrian Tear, Gary Hearne, Ifan Shepherd, Ruth Gilbert, Harvey Goldstein, Kevin McConway