Quote:
Originally Posted by Adder
There's is wonk's point that all data is permeated with our history of injustice, but to believe that big data is going to be just as likely as the human subconscious to unknowingly reject black applicants because they are black is irrationally cynical. Why do that when the data offers you all kinds of ways to get to non-discriminatory results?
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To elaborate on the above point: Take the first study discussed in the article. Change every resume to delete the applicant's name and to just say "Applicant 1", "Applicant 2", etc. Does the study end with a different result, in terms of the proportion of whites and blacks who get call-back interviews? That seems to be a certain "yes".
What Wonk is pointing to is a different, more systemic, and more pernicious issue -- and one that is in part the result of the unconscious racism found in the study, but of many other things as well. Namely, that the input to the study is unrealistic, in that a smaller percentage of black people would be able to send the "good" resume in question. This is true, and a purely objective selection process will still produce an imbalance -- but I don't put the weight of correcting that much broader problem on any individual employer, lender, etc.
Take a different context (intentionally, very different): For many years, symphony orchestras have held auditions in which the players stood behind an opaque screen, so that gender (and race - but this was really intended to address gender) would not affect selection. Some even required players to remove their shoes before walking onto the stage, because women's shoes will sound different than men's shoes.
I believe that these mechanisms were effective in reducing gender-based discrimination in the selection of musicians. BUT -- if such bias in conservatories and other opportunities for young musicians meant that there were fewer women who reached the point of being able to audition for a major symphony, the effect of systemic bias would still be seen. The "objective" approach -- we're just going to hear the musician play, and have no idea of the musician's name, gender, race etc. -- does not eliminate that.
