Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

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Discover why this book has achieved international acclaim as the #1 bestseller and garnered prestigious awards, including the 2019 Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award and the 2019 Royal Society Science Book Prize. Now available in paperback, it offers a profound exploration of the gender gap in data and how it perpetuates bias, resulting in disadvantages for women.

Data is the cornerstone of our modern world. Its influence can be seen in economic development, healthcare, education, and public policy, as it guides resource allocation and critical decision-making. However, the absence of gender considerations in much of this data, which often treats men as the norm and women as deviations, is deeply entrenched in our systems, leading to bias and discrimination. Women pay a heavy price for this insidious bias, often sacrificing time, money, and tragically, even their lives.

Caroline Criado Perez, an acclaimed advocate for feminism, meticulously investigates this shocking root cause of gender inequality in her award-winning book, Invisible Women. From examining the dynamics within homes, workplaces, public spaces, and doctor's offices, Criado Perez reveals a concerning pattern in the data and highlights its far-reaching consequences for women's lives. She uncovers how product designers adopt a "one-size-fits-all" approach that predominantly caters to men, encompassing everything from pianos and cell phones to voice recognition software. City planning tends to prioritize men's needs, neglecting women's safety, responsibilities, and distinct travel patterns in public transportation, roads, and even snow removal. Moreover, medical research frequently excludes women from studies and textbooks, leaving them chronically misunderstood, mistreated, and misdiagnosed.

Drawing on a wealth of research conducted in the United States, United Kingdom, and worldwide, Criado Perez presents her groundbreaking findings with a compelling blend of energy, wit, and intellectual brilliance. This highly readable exposé will revolutionize your perspective on the world, challenging you to confront the pervasive biases woven into the fabric of society.