A new data infrastructure for the social sciences?

The social sciences rely heavily on legacy data systems conceived to meet challenges of the 20th century (and earlier!). Is this the moment to build a new data system that meets new challenges and exploits new types of technology and data?

The purpose of this talk is to sketch out this radical vision, how it might be realized, and the risks that it would entail.

Meet our speaker and chair

David B. Grusky is Edward Ames Edmonds Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences, Professor of Sociology, and Director of the Center on Poverty and Inequality at Stanford University. His research addresses recent trends in social mobility and inequality, new ways to improve the country’s infrastructure for monitoring labor market outcomes, and new policies for reducing poverty and increasing mobility.

Mike Savage (@MikeSav47032563) joined LSE in 2012 is now Professorial Research Fellow at LSE’s International Inequalities Institute, from where he retains active collaboration with the Department of Sociology. Mike was Head of Department between 2013 and 2016. Between 2015 and 2020, he was Director of LSE’s International Inequalities Institute.

More about this event

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The Department of Sociology (@LSEsociology) seeks to produce sociology that is public-facing, fully engaged with London as a global city, and with major contemporary debates in the intersection between economy, politics and society – with issues such as financialisation, inequality, migration, urban ecology, and climate change.

At LSE our researchers are using technology’s revolutionary power to understand our world better, looking at AI and technology’s potential to do good, and limiting its potential to do harm. Browse other upcoming events, short films, articles and blogs on on our dedicated hub.

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LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.