French Literature Reviews - 2026
A. Henneguelle, A. Jatteau, Sociology of Quantification
History, Politics and Society
Anaïs Henneguelle, Arthur Jatteau
Sociology of Quantification
La Découverte
ISBN : 9782348041853
128 p.
10.00 €
OVERVIEW
Where do statistics come from and how are they designed, whether we are talking about unemployment figures, crime rates, or GDP? Does quantification serve to measure social reality, or does it primarily help construct it? How are statistics used to guide public policy? What are the social and political effects of numbers?
These questions are essential for anyone interested in the social sciences—whether students, teachers, or researchers—as well as for any citizen curious to better understand the political power of numbers. To answer them, this book explores the birth of statistics, describes how they are socially constructed, deciphers the major indicators used in the economic and social spheres, and analyzes the power of numbers through "governance by numbers."
Published by La Découverte, this accessible volume belongs to the tradition of critical sociology and political epistemology. It investigates how quantitative tools are not neutral mirrors of society, but rather active instruments of governance. By examining the historical origins of administrative statistics and the methodology behind key economic indicators, the authors shed light on the mechanisms through which numbers acquire authority. This inquiry aligns with broader debates in the social sciences regarding the performativity of measurement and the rising influence of technocratic reasoning in democratic societies.
The book serves as a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers in sociology, political science, and economics, while remaining accessible to general readers seeking to decode contemporary public debates. It addresses fundamental questions about accountability, objectivity, and the relationship between data and political power. By demystifying the construction of familiar metrics like GDP and unemployment rates, the authors equip citizens with the critical tools necessary to question the evidence often presented as objective truth in policy-making.