Politicians Manipulating Statistics: How They Do It and How to Oppose Them by Michael Billig, Cristina Marinho ISBN 9781009488136, 9781009488167, 9781009488143, 1009488139, 1009488163, 1009488147 instant download

Politicians Manipulating Statistics: How They Do It and How to Oppose Them by Michael Billig, Cristina Marinho ISBN 9781009488136, 9781009488167, 9781009488143, 1009488139, 1009488163, 1009488147 instant download

Highly original and insightful, Billig and Marinho's book investigates how politicians misuse official statistics. Setting this problem in its historical context – and offering vivid case studies of Donald Trump, Boris Johnson and Gérald Darmanin – the authors demonstrate that the manipulation of statistics involves the misuse of words as well as the misuse of numbers. Most importantly, the authors show that politicians will manipulate official statisticians to produce politically convenient, but statistically inappropriate, numbers. Another unique part of the book is that the authors are not content with analysing how statistics are manipulated, but they also rigorously analyse the efforts of statistical agencies in France and Britain to combat such manipulation. The chapters herald unsung heroes who operate largely 'behind the scenes' to expose and oppose the corruption of statistics. An indispensable read for anyone concerned with the intersection of power and data.

Shows that the political misuse of numbers typically involves the misuse of language

Provides a detailed, in-depth analysis of the different types of manipulation that politicians use to control statistics

Supplies the first detailed empirical examination of the statistical authorities of Britain and France, and their unique efforts to combat the political manipulation of statistics

DOI: 10.1017/9781009488143