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Why Algorithms Remain Unjust: Power Structures Surrounding Algorithmic Activity

Andrew Balch

TL;DR

The paper argues that algorithmic injustice persists because reformist efforts that focus on the algorithm itself neglect the surrounding power structures. It applies Erik Wright’s real-utopias framework to map the power configuration around Algorithmic Activity, showing Economic Power dominating State and Social Power in capitalist contexts. It proposes a triad of transformations—Symbiotic, Interstitial, and Raptural—to reconfigure power toward social empowerment, illustrated through a hypothetical food-bank distribution scenario. The work offers a reflexive, policy-oriented blueprint for designing socially just algorithmic systems and ongoingly reevaluating power relations as technologies and social theories evolve.

Abstract

Algorithms are unavoidable in our social lives, yet often perpetuate social injustices. The popular means of addressing this is through algorithmic reformism: fine-tuning algorithms themselves to be more fair, accountable, and transparent. However, reformism fails to curtail algorithmic injustice because it ignores the power structure surrounding algorithms. Heeding calls from critical algorithm studies, I employ a framework developed by Erik Olin Wright to examine the configuration of power surrounding algorithmic systems in society (Algorithmic Activity). Algorithmic Activity is unjust because it is dominated by economic power. To create socially just Algorithmic Activity, the power configuration must instead empower end users. I explore Wright's symbiotic, interstitial, and raptural transformations in the context of just Algorithmic Activity. My vision for social justice in algorithmic systems requires a continuous (re)evaluation of how power can be transformed in light of current structure, social theories, evolving methodologies, and one's relationship to power itself.

Why Algorithms Remain Unjust: Power Structures Surrounding Algorithmic Activity

TL;DR

The paper argues that algorithmic injustice persists because reformist efforts that focus on the algorithm itself neglect the surrounding power structures. It applies Erik Wright’s real-utopias framework to map the power configuration around Algorithmic Activity, showing Economic Power dominating State and Social Power in capitalist contexts. It proposes a triad of transformations—Symbiotic, Interstitial, and Raptural—to reconfigure power toward social empowerment, illustrated through a hypothetical food-bank distribution scenario. The work offers a reflexive, policy-oriented blueprint for designing socially just algorithmic systems and ongoingly reevaluating power relations as technologies and social theories evolve.

Abstract

Algorithms are unavoidable in our social lives, yet often perpetuate social injustices. The popular means of addressing this is through algorithmic reformism: fine-tuning algorithms themselves to be more fair, accountable, and transparent. However, reformism fails to curtail algorithmic injustice because it ignores the power structure surrounding algorithms. Heeding calls from critical algorithm studies, I employ a framework developed by Erik Olin Wright to examine the configuration of power surrounding algorithmic systems in society (Algorithmic Activity). Algorithmic Activity is unjust because it is dominated by economic power. To create socially just Algorithmic Activity, the power configuration must instead empower end users. I explore Wright's symbiotic, interstitial, and raptural transformations in the context of just Algorithmic Activity. My vision for social justice in algorithmic systems requires a continuous (re)evaluation of how power can be transformed in light of current structure, social theories, evolving methodologies, and one's relationship to power itself.
Paper Structure (20 sections, 2 figures)

This paper contains 20 sections, 2 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Algorithmic Activity, Society, and Injustice
  3. Configuration of Power in Algorithmic Activity
  4. Economic Power (fig. \ref{['fig:algo-power']}a)
  5. State Power upon Economic Power (fig. \ref{['fig:algo-power']}b)
  6. State Power (fig. \ref{['fig:algo-power']}c)
  7. Economic Power upon State Power (fig. \ref{['fig:algo-power']}d)
  8. Social Power upon State Power (fig. \ref{['fig:algo-power']}e)
  9. Social Power (fig. \ref{['fig:algo-power']}f)
  10. Economic Power upon Social Power (fig. \ref{['fig:algo-power']}g)
  11. State Power upon Social Power (fig. \ref{['fig:algo-power']}h)
  12. Transforming Power for a More Just Society
  13. Symbiotic Transformations
  14. Interstitial Transformations
  15. Raptural Transformations
  16. ...and 5 more sections

Figures (2)

  • Figure 1: A utopic power configuration where Social Power dominates Algorithmic Activity, and all other powers are subordinated to it.
  • Figure 2: The modern configuration of power around Algorithmic Activity is one of Economic Empowerment.