The Life of a Number : Measurement, Meaning and the Media

Do numbers have a life of their own or do we give them meaning? How do data play a role in constructing people’s perceptions of the world around them? How far can we trust numbers to speak truth to power? The COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique moment to answer these questions. This book examines how politicians, experts and journalists gave meaning to data through the story of seven iconic numbers from the pandemic. Shedding light on a new dawn of data, this book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the relationship between numbers, meaning and society. Front Civer The Life of a Number: Measurement, Meaning and the Media Copyright information Dedication Table of Contents 1 Introduction Data bound Chapter 2: Data bounds are reinforced by policy Chapter 3: Quantitative realism underpins data bounds Chapter 4: Quantitative realism is mathematical and abstract Chapter 5: Desire for data bounds underpins quantitative realism Chapter 6: Data bounds are emotive Chapter 7: Data boundaries are drawn within historical norms Chapter 8: Critically engaging with data bounds More cases, less theory The life of a number The pandemic in the UK 2 Data Bounds Are Reinforced by Policy Trade-Off Protect Both Short-term vs long-term data International comparisons The problems of comparing death tolls The problems of comparing Gross Domestic Product What about data outside the data bounds? Alternatives to Gross Domestic Product Excess deaths Beyond cases, hospitalizations and deaths How policy structures data bounds 3 Quantitative Realism Underpins Data Bounds Two metres 15 minutes How ‘close contact’ structured policy How numbers organize the unorganizable Binding together the sciences 4 Quantitative Realism Is Mathematical and Abstract Counting cleaning wipes Numbers as language The meaning of big numbers One billion items as political rhetoric Unprecedented crisis met with an unimaginable number The itemization of Personal Protective Equipment The four Personal Protective Equipment problems the figure tried to erase Lack of adequate stockpiles Inadequate production and procurement networks Prioritizing the National Health Service over social care Changing what classes as suitable Personal Protective Equipment The power of huge 5 Desire for Data Bounds Underpins Quantitative Realism Rethinking the infodemic Where was the ‘mis-behaviour’? Trust us: we are not misinformation The life of both figures Surveys and 7 per cent Digital data and eight million A strategic emphasis on quantitative realism 6 Data Bounds Are Emotive Data visualization Representing the experience of the pandemic Turning death into a graph Performing data Performance norms in Sky News Sombre performance of death Flouting the convention Feeling data 7 Data Boundaries Are Drawn Within Historical Norms Red-herring of inaccurate projections Vaccines, cases and risk Normalizing health inequalities The failed campaign of the ‘outsiders’ 8 Critically Engaging with Data Bounds Pay attention to media and communication The media ecosystem Interrogate and appreciate quantitative realism Language, measurement and documentation The tail that wags the dog Examine how data bounds can maintain or challenge power Public health imperative Ethical purpose Political requirement Determine why some data bounds dominate over others Political consensus Historical context Experience A runaway train of meaning Is there any hope? Afterword Notes References Index