Sorting Things Out: Classification And Its Consequences By Susan Leigh Star

Sorting Things Out: Classification and Its Consequences was written by Geoffrey Bowker and Susan Leigh Star in 1999 and published by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This work, specifically the introduction discusses the idea of classification and how its patterns are a result of human nature. The authors argue that ultimately the reason we classify can be attributed to human qualities. This thesis is supported by relevant examples in our own lives. For example, the authors write about the classification found in a modern home from the fabric of the furniture to the various codes of building permits allowed. The act of classifying, according to the authors, is almost unconscious. They take this idea a step further by describing the process of classifying as being invisible. The introduction ultimately sets up a foundation for the authors to examine information infrastructures by using classification examples such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Nursing Interventions Classification. Their goal is to question why and how classification plays a role in life and human interaction.

The authors commonly use relatable

examples to portray their ideas. For instance, the chapter begins with the example of a scene of The X-Files to demonstrate how intertwined human lives are with classification. Another technique that is used to persuade the readers is through the use of rhetorical questions. These literary elements serve to propel the points of argument. This observation can be proven by how the authors use rhetorical devices to question the nature and purpose of standards and classification. The authors argue that as they call it- the material force of categories- will be constant and is proven by asking the readers to find an example of when organization is not integral in life.
Another idea presented is the challenge in changing preexisting categories.

The Power to Name written by Hope A. Olson has similarities with this work in that classification systems are examined. Both authors argue that classification is part of life and can be considered a necessity. Basically, classification is ubiquitous and relevant to all facets of life. The Power to Name proves the difficulties posed by challenging a preexisting classification system (Dewey Decimal Classification) an idea that was brought up in Sorting Things Out. The idea of universality in classification is examined in Sorting Things Out by considering the lenses of anthropology, sociology, and history. Classification was used as a tool for understanding cultures for anthropologists, while sociologists have associated this with social

movements.
In order to proceed further in the book, the authors define both classifications and standards. The distinction between the two is that while they may be similar, standards are part of the larger argument and have to do with agreed-upon rules and has a wide practice while classification is consistent and the categories are mutually exclusive. Examples are given to better illustrate these two terms. The authors claim that the ICD is labeled as a classification for the purposes of the book even though it is often thought to be a nomenclature system.
The “Introduction” also outlines the structure of the book by breaking it into three themes to accurately explore the way infrastructures and classification systems play a role in society. These three themes include classification and large scale infrastructure, classification and biography, and classification and work practice.
The authors of this work seek to understand the role of invisibility in classification and human interaction by also understanding the origin of the categories and how they stand to be invisible. The message is directed to the readers through experts in the field, classification systems, and relevant examples. The topic of classification and its effect on human lifestyle is significant in understanding how to improve as a society. For example, the authors explain how ethics and morality are involved with classification. The U.S. immigration and Naturalization Service’s methodology in classification of races as desirably or not bolters the ethically compromising quota system. Additionally, this work shows another aspect of research in that there are parts that have not been figured out and that there is value in old or unconventional methods.