Podcast: Automating Inequality, with Virginia Eubanks

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 16, 2019) -- Virginia Eubanks is an associate professor of political science at UAlbany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy.

On this episode of the UAlbany News Podcast, Eubanks shares about her book, 'Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police and Punish the Poor.'

In the book, she details three examples of technology failing to streamline welfare programs:

These automated public service systems are designed to serve some of the country’s most vulnerable populations, such as those living in poverty or contending with poor health, while at the same time saving the government time and money. But these technologies can leave poor families feeling tracked, targeted and trapped. Eubanks explains how these systems fail to remove human bias, exacerbate inequality and perpetuate a "Digital Poorhouse" for working-class people in America.

Listen to the episode.

Where else can I listen?

If you're listening on an iPhone or other Apple mobile device, you can listen to the UAlbany News Podcast in Apple Podcasts or in Spotify.

If you're on an Android device, you can listen in Stitcher or in RadioPublic. For other podcast apps, you can find the show using our RSS feed. You can always find the latest episode on SoundCloud or on our Simplecast website.

Have a comment or question about one of our episodes? You can email us at [email protected], or you can find us on Twitter.

A comprehensive public research university, the University at Albany-SUNY offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 125 master's, doctoral and graduate certificate programs. UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, education, public health,health sciences, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering and applied sciences, informatics, public administration, social welfare and sociology, taught by an extensive roster of faculty experts. It also offers expanded academic and research opportunities for students through an affiliation with Albany Law School. With a curriculum enhanced by 600 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers.