Radical Statistics
Radical Statistics is a UK-based organisation that looks at political aspects of statistics. It is interested in the use of statistics to promote equality and social justice. A recent Radstats book 'Statistics and Society' includes chapters on crime, economics, education, elections, ethnic issues, gender issues, health, housing, poverty, and unemployment. 1
It has an ACTIVE mailing list 2, is well integrated into the Royal Statistical Society, and publishes a regular newsletter/journal. Its annual AGM and conference is usually a two-day social and business affair in February - this often involves a weekend away e.g. at a Youth Hostel (most recently, in 2006, at Hathersage 3, near Sheffield). The 2007 conference is on the theme Who's in Charge of Public Statistics?.
RadStats was founded on 31 January 1975, and has a very active health group in which Alison Macfarlane is a leading member.
The mission statement on the RadStats website states:
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- We believe that statistics can be used to support radical campaigns for progressive social change. Statistics should inform, not drive policies. Social problems should not be disguised by technical language.
Links
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