What can mathematical modelling contribute to a sociology of quantification?

Sociology of quantification has spent relatively less energies investigating mathematical modelling than it has on other forms of quantification such as statistics, metrics, or algorithms based on artificial intelligence. Here we investigate whether concepts and approaches from mathematical modelling can provide sociology of quantification with nuanced tools to ensure the methodological soundness, normative adequacy and fairness of numbers. We suggest that methodological adequacy can be upheld by techniques in the field of sensitivity analysis, while normative adequacy and fairness are targeted by the different dimensions of sensitivity auditing. We also investigate in which ways modelling can inform other instances of quantification as to promote political agency.

Automated summary

The sociology of quantification has focused less on mathematical modeling compared to other forms of quantification such as statistics, metrics, or algorithms based on artificial intelligence. This study explores how concepts and approaches from mathematical modeling can offer nuanced tools for ensuring methodological soundness, normative adequacy, and fairness of numbers in the sociology of quantification. The authors argue that methodological soundness can be achieved through sensitivity analysis techniques, while normative adequacy and fairness can be addressed through various dimensions of sensitivity auditing. In addition, the study investigates how modeling can inform other instances of quantification to promote political agency.