Arthur Jatteau
E-mail: arthur.jatteau@polytechnique.edu
Thinking about socioeconomics indicators (growth rates, ), about surveys, about « governance by numbers », numbers are essentials in public space. Because they permeate the society and economy, they deserve to be examined.
Taking as object of study the social process of quantifying reality, that is the project of social science of quantification. A combination economics, sociology and history, without abandoning other disciplines, they aim to provide to graps the place of numbers in our society. Various guidance can be adopted.
It can be studying the production of a specific indicator (in macroeconomic level, like GDP or price indicator; or microeconomic, in organizations like companies) by looking at the conditions of its production and choices that has presided its development. The focus may also be on the use: what is the purpose of numbers in society? What purposes they are produced? Indicator review is also a way forward. Finally, we can look at alternative indicators, built in institutions that act differently in and on the society.
The implemented methods in social science of quantification are varied. They are based on the various social sciences within it (economics, sociology, history) and are as diverse as descriptive statistics, data analysis, work with archives, maintenance, observation... They can be implemented in research institutions (such as laboratories), but also in varied organizations (public administrations, companies, associations...).
Course language: French
- Teaching coordinator: Jatteau Arthur