Diversity and Social Justice in Technology Design

Abstract

An interdisciplinary endeavour at the intersection of American Studies, Critical Diversity Studies, as well as Science and Technology Studies, this article scrutinises so-called diversity-aware technology. A diversity-aware system is a computer system whose designers a) account for differences between the system’s stakeholders, and/or b) draw on a normative notion of diversity like “inclusion” or “fairness” in its design. Diversity concepts embedded in technology carry contested values and have effects on the technology’s stakeholders. Therefore, it is vital to conduct a critical review of designs leveraging diversity concepts. In an exploration of three cases (diversity-aware datasets, machine learning fairness, and diversity-aware social media), the article sheds light on the shortcomings of mainstream or “individual-level” diversity-aware technology. Such technology leverages individual-level notions of diversity (demographics, personality, culture) to cater to users, thereby obscuring social inequalities among them. Inspired by Black feminism and critical race theory, the article offers a social-justice-oriented conceptualisation of diversity-aware technology. It develops a definition and criteria for critical or “structural-level” diversity-aware technology, where diversity concepts are linked to the visibility and redistribution of power. The article offers inspiration for researchers of technology and designers who work with diversity concepts.