Politics Quote by Geoffrey C. Bowker
““In general, classificatory work practices involve politics, kinds of both prototypical and Aristotelian classifications, and deletion of the practices in the production of' the final formal record.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Memory Practices, by Geoffrey C. Bowker, 2000
Classifying work involves political choices, prototype and Aristotelian categories, and erasing certain practices from official records.
In simple terms: Classification is political, shaping what is recorded or omitted.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of hidden biases in classification.
Themes
knowledge organization
politics
archiving
bias
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- library cataloging
- data labeling
- policy drafting
- academic research
Key Concepts
information science
ontology
critical theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Who decides which practices are recorded?
- How can we make classification more inclusive?
A Different Perspective
Classification can reinforce power structures and marginalize alternative perspectives.
