Why Organization Matters in "Algorithmic Discrimination"

Abstract: Research into "algorithmic discrimination" has largely dismissed the fact that algorithms are often developed and used by organizations. In this article, we show that organizational sociology can contribute to a more nuanced perspective on "algorithmic decision-making." Drawing on the concept of decision premises, we differentiate between various formal structures, particularly between different decision programs (conditional and purposive). This allows us to challenge two key assumptions, namely that human decision-makers rely heavily on algorithmically generated recommendations and that discrimination against protected groups needs to be solved mainly at the level of code. We identify the usefulness of distinguishing between conditional and purposive decision programs via a case study centered on the legal context: the risk assessment software "Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions" (COMPAS) that is employed in the US criminal justice system to info

Object Details

• Alternative title: Warum Organisationen einen Unterschied bei "algorithmischer Diskriminierung" machen
• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Veröffentlichungsversion ; begutachtet (peer reviewed) ; In: Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie ; 74 (2022) Suppl. 1 ; 307-330

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Mannheim
• (who): SSOAR, GESIS – Leibniz-Institut für Sozialwissenschaften e.V.
• (when): 2022
• Creator: Schwarting, Rena ; Ulbricht, Lena

Further information

• DOI: 10.1007/s11577-022-00838-3
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023090411052478577128
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 25.03.2025, 1:46 PM CET