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Software-sorted geographies

Graham, S.

Authors

S. Graham



Abstract

This paper explores the central role of computerized code in shaping the social and geographical politics of inequality in advanced societies. The central argument is that, while such processes are necessarily multifaceted, multiscaled, complex and ambivalent, a great variety of ‘software-sorting’ techniques is now being widely applied in efforts to try to separate privileged and marginalized groups and places across a wide range of sectors and domains. This paper’s central demonstration is that the overwhelming bulk of software-sorting applications is closely associated with broader transformations from Keynesian to neoliberal service regimes. To illustrate such processes of software-sorting, the paper analyses recent research addressing three examples of software-sorting in practice. These address physical and electronic mobility systems, online geographical information systems (GIS), and face-recognition closed circuit television (CCTV) systems covering city streets. The paper finishes by identifying theoretical, research and policy implications of the diffusion of software-sorted geographies within which computerized code continually orchestrates inequalities through technological systems embedded within urban environments.

Citation

Graham, S. (2005). Software-sorted geographies. Progress in Human Geography, 29(5), 562-580. https://doi.org/10.1191/0309132505ph568oa

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date 2005-10
Deposit Date Jul 2, 2008
Publicly Available Date Jul 2, 2008
Journal Progress in Human Geography
Print ISSN 0309-1325
Electronic ISSN 1477-0288
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 29
Issue 5
Pages 562-580
DOI https://doi.org/10.1191/0309132505ph568oa
Keywords CCTV, Code, Geodemographics, Inequality, Mobilities, Remediation, Software-sorting, Surveillance, Unbundling.

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