Algorithmic Pluralism: A Structural Approach To Equal Opportunity

Fuente: arXiv
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Autores principales: Jain, Shomik, Suriyakumar, Vinith, Creel, Kathleen, Wilson, Ashia
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2023
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author Jain, Shomik
Suriyakumar, Vinith
Creel, Kathleen
Wilson, Ashia
author_facet Jain, Shomik
Suriyakumar, Vinith
Creel, Kathleen
Wilson, Ashia
contents We present a structural approach toward achieving equal opportunity in systems of algorithmic decision-making called algorithmic pluralism. Algorithmic pluralism describes a state of affairs in which no set of algorithms severely limits access to opportunity, allowing individuals the freedom to pursue a diverse range of life paths. To argue for algorithmic pluralism, we adopt Joseph Fishkin's theory of bottlenecks, which focuses on the structure of decision-points that determine how opportunities are allocated. The theory contends that each decision-point or bottleneck limits access to opportunities with some degree of severity and legitimacy. We extend Fishkin's structural viewpoint and use it to reframe existing systemic concerns about equal opportunity in algorithmic decision-making, such as patterned inequality and algorithmic monoculture. In proposing algorithmic pluralism, we argue for the urgent priority of alleviating severe bottlenecks in algorithmic decision-making. We contend that there must be a pluralism of opportunity available to many different individuals in order to promote equal opportunity in a systemic way. We further show how this framework has several implications for system design and regulation through current debates about equal opportunity in algorithmic hiring.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2305_08157
institution arXiv
publishDate 2023
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Algorithmic Pluralism: A Structural Approach To Equal Opportunity
Jain, Shomik
Suriyakumar, Vinith
Creel, Kathleen
Wilson, Ashia
Computers and Society
68-06
K.4.0
We present a structural approach toward achieving equal opportunity in systems of algorithmic decision-making called algorithmic pluralism. Algorithmic pluralism describes a state of affairs in which no set of algorithms severely limits access to opportunity, allowing individuals the freedom to pursue a diverse range of life paths. To argue for algorithmic pluralism, we adopt Joseph Fishkin's theory of bottlenecks, which focuses on the structure of decision-points that determine how opportunities are allocated. The theory contends that each decision-point or bottleneck limits access to opportunities with some degree of severity and legitimacy. We extend Fishkin's structural viewpoint and use it to reframe existing systemic concerns about equal opportunity in algorithmic decision-making, such as patterned inequality and algorithmic monoculture. In proposing algorithmic pluralism, we argue for the urgent priority of alleviating severe bottlenecks in algorithmic decision-making. We contend that there must be a pluralism of opportunity available to many different individuals in order to promote equal opportunity in a systemic way. We further show how this framework has several implications for system design and regulation through current debates about equal opportunity in algorithmic hiring.
title Algorithmic Pluralism: A Structural Approach To Equal Opportunity
topic Computers and Society
68-06
K.4.0
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.08157