Sociology: The Algorithmic State – Big Data and AI Decision-Making in Public Institutions – Are Algorithms Biased by Design? with Dr Catherine Duxbury from University of East Anglia
June 4 @ 11:10 - 11:55
In this Sociology session, Dr Catherine Duxbury, Lecturer in Sociology at University of East Anglia, will run an interactive talk for students on The Algorithmic State: Big Data and AI Decision-Making in Public Institutions – Are Algorithms Biased by Design?
In this online seminar, we will discuss how big data and algorithmic systems operate within public institutions, including case studies from healthcare, criminal justice and the police force. We will examine how large-scale data collection, processing and automated decision-making are reshaping the public sphere.
The seminar also critically engages with sociological concerns, including algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability and the social consequences of data-driven decision-making. We will situate algorithms within broader institutional and power contexts.
The session will encourage students to reflect on both the opportunities and the risks of big data in contemporary public services.
Lecturer Profile: Dr Catherine Duxbury
Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. There is no charge to take part.
As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.
Suitable for: 16+ pre-university students studying, or with a possible interest in studying, Sociology and related disciplines. Student groups as well as students and teachers joining individually are very welcome.
Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students are encouraged to consider the topics and questions they may have. Students can also think about questions about studying at university level.
The IT Setup: The event will be run on Zoom and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the speaker via typed comments and questions and/or via a microphone. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.
Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below: