Marion Fourcade Bücher

The book offers a comparative analysis of the economics profession in the U.S., Britain, and France, highlighting significant differences shaped by each country's unique political, cultural, and institutional contexts. Through interviews and extensive research, it traces the evolution of economics from the late nineteenth century to today. The author argues that varying political experiences influenced how economies were understood and debated, resulting in distinct professional identities: scientific professionalism in the U.S., public-minded elitism in Britain, and statist divisions in France.

The book explores how organizations utilize data to measure and rank various aspects of our lives, influencing predictions about individual behaviors and traits. It argues that these predictions shape life opportunities, resulting in a superficial morality that disguises entrenched social advantages as merit. Through this lens, it critiques the societal implications of data-driven decision-making and the illusion of fairness it creates.