The Social Sciences of Quantification

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This book explores how quantification serves as both evidence and a tool of governance in areas like employment, occupational health, and economic management. It pays tribute to Alain Desrosières, a pioneer in studying large numbers and the politics behind them, beginning with a summary of his significant contributions. Personal testimonies from various researchers highlight the impact Desrosières had on their work and the analytical framework he established. The collection of essays that follows delves into the role of statistics in the neoliberal era, addressing topics such as counting the homeless in Europe, assessing public service performance, and evaluating the impact of public actions on unemployment in France. The third section examines the applications of quantification, revealing that while statistics often benefit those in power, they can also empower resistance against established conventions and measurements. Featuring insights from economists, historians, political scientists, sociologists, and statisticians, this work offers a nuanced perspective on the influence of statistics in public policy, the conflicts arising from their production, and the debates surrounding their use.