Algorithmic Pluralism: A Structural Approach To Equal Opportunity
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3630106.3658899.pdf
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542.73 KB
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Author(s)
Jain, Shomik
Suriyakumar, Vinith
Creel, Kathleen
Wilson, Ashia
Date Issued
June 3, 2024
Publisher
ACM|The 2024 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency
Citation
Jain, Shomik, Suriyakumar, Vinith, Creel, Kathleen and Wilson, Ashia. 2024. "Algorithmic Pluralism: A Structural Approach To Equal Opportunity."
Version
Final published version
Abstract
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.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
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Creative Commons Attribution
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1145/3630106.3658899
