Data Ableism: Ability Expectations and Marginalization in Automated Societies

While data is increasingly proffered as the resource that unlocks the promises of the digitalized world, for underprivileged individuals and communities, instead of fulfilled promises, datafication means additional marginalization. Examining these forms of marginalization, this article considers how technological advancements come with ability expectations, and highlights the exclusion and discrimination of disadvantaged segments of the population that result from failing to meet digital ability expectations and reach prescribed data norms. Drawing from critical disability scholarship, we introduce the notions of data ableism and data disablism, which encapsulate privileged ability expectations pertaining to data production and the resulting forms of exclusion that are prevalent in automated societies. Underlining the intersectional nature of data ableism, we discern its two main mechanisms, namely data (in)visibility and data (un)desirability, and document the role of free market ideology in producing and upholding data ableism.

Automated summary

This article examines the marginalization faced by underprivileged individuals and communities in the digitalized world due to datafication. It introduces the concepts of data ableism and data disablism, highlighting privileged ability expectations and exclusion mechanisms. The role of free market ideology in producing and sustaining data ableism is also addressed.