Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez

Summary

Caroline Criado Perez's 'Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men' exposes the hidden ways gender bias permeates data collection, leading to a world that frequently overlooks women’s needs. Through rigorous research, the book illustrates how everyday systems, policies, and products are often designed with men as the default, disadvantaging women in countless domains. Perez argues for greater gender inclusivity in research and policy-making to create a fairer and more effective society.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Gender data gaps can have profound real-world consequences, from lower safety standards to career disadvantages for women.

2. Unconscious bias in data gathering and policy design perpetuates inequality even without ill intent.

3. Systemic change requires recognizing and rectifying the absence of female experience at every level of decision-making.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2019

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 95

Practical Examples

1. Crash Test Dummies and Car Safety

   Car safety standards are developed using crash test dummies modeled after average male bodies. As a result, women are 47% more likely to be seriously injured in a car crash, since female anatomy and seating preferences are not accounted for in testing.

2. Medical Research Exclusion

   Until recently, clinical trials have largely been conducted on male subjects, ignoring differences in symptoms and drug reactions between sexes. This has led to misdiagnoses and potentially dangerous medication dosing for women.

3. Snow Clearing and Urban Planning

   A Swedish gender analysis of snow-clearing procedures revealed that routes prioritized for cars disproportionately benefited men, whereas women—who rely more on public transport and walking—were disadvantaged. Changing snow clearance priorities reduced accidents among women.

4. Workplace Temperature Settings

   Office temperature standards are based on an average male metabolic rate, meaning many women are uncomfortably cold at work. This small oversight impacts productivity and comfort throughout the workday.

5. Mobile Phones and Hand Size

   Smartphones are designed to fit the average male hand, making them unwieldy for many women. This design flaw can lead to strained hands and difficulty using devices safely, impacting day-to-day convenience and health.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

   PPE such as safety harnesses and body armor are often sized for men, leading to poor fit and reduced safety for women in male-dominated professions like construction or law enforcement.

7. Commute Patterns and City Planning

   Urban transport systems typically cater to linear, rush-hour commutes associated with male work patterns, neglecting the 'trip-chaining' travel common among women juggling caregiving and errands. This leaves women underserved by city infrastructures.

8. Public Toilets and Queuing

   Public spaces often have equal numbers of men’s and women’s toilets, but do not account for women’s longer average restroom needs and menstruation. This oversight leads to chronic long lines for women’s bathrooms.