The New Era of Segmenting Society on Ability Lines: Workplace Analytics and Disability Discrimination

Society for Disability Studies, Atlanta USA, June 2015

Posted: 12 Jul 2015

See all articles by Paul Harpur

Paul Harpur

University of Queensland - T.C. Beirne School of Law

Date Written: June 10, 2015

Abstract

Big data is transforming what it means for segmenting society. Every time a person turns on their computer, carries a mobile phone, uses a swipe card, taps their credit card, borrows a library book, has an identification card scanned or their car registration recorded by the state or at a gas station, that individual has information about them stored. This mass of data is now being crunched by analytical tools that can explain past conduct, predict future conduct and help alter human conduct. These analytical tools are self-learning and involve billions of decisions to sort society in new and uncharted ways. The growth of workplace analytics is having a substantial impact on who is hired, fired and promoted. For persons with disabilities big data analytics presents both challenges and massive threats. This presentation will use disability theories to explore what workplace analytics means for anti-discrimination laws and for how we understand ability and disability.

Suggested Citation

Harpur, Paul David, The New Era of Segmenting Society on Ability Lines: Workplace Analytics and Disability Discrimination (June 10, 2015). Society for Disability Studies, Atlanta USA, June 2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2629435

Paul David Harpur (Contact Author)

University of Queensland - T.C. Beirne School of Law ( email )

Brisbane, Queensland 4072
Australia

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