Government Statistical Agencies and the Politics of Credibility

Author:   Cosmo Wyndham Howard (Griffith University, Queensland)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
ISBN:  

9781108811750


Pages:   244
Publication Date:   09 March 2023
Format:   Paperback
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
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Government Statistical Agencies and the Politics of Credibility


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Overview

Who decides how official statistics are produced? Do politicians have control or are key decisions left to statisticians in independent statistical agencies? Interviews with statisticians in Australia, Canada, Sweden, the UK and the USA were conducted to get insider perspectives on the nature of decision making in government statistical administration. While the popular adage suggests there are 'lies, damned lies and statistics', this research shows that official statistics in liberal democracies are far from mistruths; they are consistently insulated from direct political interference. Yet, a range of subtle pressures and tensions exist that governments and statisticians must manage. The power over statistics is distributed differently in different countries, and this book explains why. Differences in decision-making powers across countries are the result of shifting pressures politicians and statisticians face to be credible, and the different national contexts that provide distinctive institutional settings for the production of government numbers.

Full Product Details

Author:   Cosmo Wyndham Howard (Griffith University, Queensland)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.362kg
ISBN:  

9781108811750


ISBN 10:   1108811752
Pages:   244
Publication Date:   09 March 2023
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

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Reviews

'In this dramaturgical sociology of statisticians in five liberal democracies, Cosmo Howard has produced a wonderfully rich set of insights into expertise, authority and the public performances of statistical systems. This enjoyable and in-depth examination uncovers the struggles for credibility of both politicians and statisticians, in the twenty-first century. In doing so it highlights the importance of performative strategies for all experts.' Jenny M Lewis, Professor, University of Melbourne, Australia


Author Information

Cosmo Howard is Senior Lecturer, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University. He has taught political science, public policy and administration in Australia and Canada. His research has been published in several books and leading international journals including Governance and Public Administration. He has worked as a consultant for Australian and Canadian governments.

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