Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men is a 2019 book by British feminist author Caroline Criado Perez. The book describes the adverse effects on women caused by gender bias in big data collection.

1 Summary

"Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men" by Caroline Criado Perez explores the pervasive gender data inequities that exist in society. The book delves into the far-reaching implications of these biases, highlighting how the absence of accurate data on women's experiences leads to costly errors and miscalculations in policy decisions. Drawing on examples from daily life, the workplace, healthcare, and public policy, Criado Perez skillfully weaves quantitative and qualitative observations to demonstrate the wide-ranging impact of the lack of women's data. Through case studies and evidence, the author challenges readers to reframe their mindset and consider the widespread effects of these biases on society. Additionally, the book offers compelling anecdotes and suggestions for corrective action, emphasizing the need for equitable representation of women's experiences in data. Ultimately, "Invisible Women" presents a persuasive argument for creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all women.

2 About The Author

Caroline Emma Criado Perez OBE, a British feminist author, journalist, and activist, has been actively involved in advocating for gender equality. She gained attention through her Women's Room project, which sought to amplify the representation of female experts in the media. Additionally, her successful campaign against the removal of the only woman (apart from The Queen) from British banknotes led to the inclusion of Jane Austen on the £10 note by 2017.
Criado Perez's advocacy has not been without challenges, as she faced harassment on Twitter along with other women, prompting Twitter to revise its complaint procedures. Furthermore, her efforts also led to the unveiling of a statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square as part of the centenary celebrations of women's suffrage in the UK.
Her book "Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men," published in 2019, achieved bestseller status, shedding light on biases in data that affect women. Caroline Criado Perez continues to be an influential voice in the pursuit of gender equality.

3 Comments

Caroline Criado Perez's eye-opening book provides a startling perspective on the unseen bias at work in our everyday lives. Marshalling a wealth of data with precision and insight, as the Times affirms, ‘Invisible Women is a game-changer; an uncompromising blitz of facts, sad, mad, bad and funny, making an unanswerable case and doing so brilliantly.’
According to Cordelia Fine and Victor Sojo's review in The Lancet, the book provides fascinating case studies from a variety of domains, which likely offer a multifaceted view of gender issues in different areas of life and work.
Carol Tavris, in her review for Skeptical Inquirer Magazine, points out that while the book's theoretical underpinnings are not new, it reiterates Simone de Beauvoir's observations on women as the second sex, suggesting that it builds upon established feminist scholarship.
Angela Saini's review in The Guardian positions the book as a dossier on gender inequality that demands action. The book is praised for highlighting the pervasive yet often overlooked male-centric design of society and the need for rethinking and reevaluation from a female perspective.
Saini also notes the book's emphasis on the invisibility of women in various sectors, from street lighting to workplace childcare, and the need for more data collection and consideration of women's needs and wants.
Joan Smith, in the Literary Review, commends the book for its essential insights, particularly for those unfamiliar with the extent of gender bias. She highlights the book's revelation of the male bias in scenarios like medical misdiagnosis and car safety, and the devastating cumulative effect of such biases.

4 Influence

Systematic Neglect of Women

The book emphasizes how the world, largely constructed by men, systematically overlooks the experiences and requirements of women, leading to a pervasive bias that significantly impacts their lives.

Gender Data Gap

"Invisible Women" brings to light the existence of a gender data gap, demonstrating how this lack of knowledge perpetuates systemic discrimination against women and affects their health and well-being.

Unseen Impact on Women's Lives

Through a diverse array of case studies, stories, and new research, the book showcases the hidden ways in which women are marginalized, highlighting the consequences for their health and overall welfare.

Exclusionary Biased Data

The book uncovers biased data in areas such as government policy, medical research, technology, workplaces, urban planning, and media, revealing how it marginalizes and excludes women, perpetuating inequality.

Advocating Change

"Invisible Women" presents a compelling and thought-provoking case for change, urging readers to reconsider their perspectives and underscoring the necessity of addressing the gender data gap to foster a more equitable society.

5 Awards

Shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing 2020
Shortlisted for the British Book Awards Non-Fiction Narrative Book of the Year 2020
Waterstones Non-Fiction Book of the Month for March 2020
Winner of The Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award 2019
Winner of The Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize 2019
International Appeal and Translations:
Invisible Women also found a wide international audience, and has been translated into many languages, including French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Finnish, Portuguese, Persian, Swedish, Icelandic, Danish, Greek, Lithuanian, Estonian, Czech, Slovak, Ukrainian, Turkish, Russian and Chinese.

Learn More

References

  • Criado Perez, C. (2019). Invisible Women. Abrams.

Last updated: 2026-10-20

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