Author Danah Boyd: WCPT 820 Interview

 

Richard Chew is joined by Danah Boyd, Geri Gay Professor of Communication at Cornell University and author of the new book “Data Are Made, Not Found.” She will be speaking in Chicago for University Press Week, November 9-13. The Boyd events will take place at UIC on November 9 and at Northwestern November 10.

The discussion focused on Boyd’s book about the politics and civil servants behind the 2020 U.S. Census. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Boyd said the 2020 census produced high-quality data despite the pandemic, natural disasters, and political pressure, though earlier censuses may have been stronger.
- The census anchors political representation and federal funding, making reliable data essential to democracy.
- She described “Jenga politics”: weakening administrative capacity while placing greater pressure on civil servants.
- Census workers built a backup technical system after concerns about an outsourced vendor; they ultimately used it.

Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views).

 

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