Abstract
“Diversity is not referring to diversity among humans … but between humans and machines” (p.33). This provocative assertion from Patterns of inclusion signals the author's critical rethinking of contemporary inclusion discourses. Written by Elisabeth Kelan, this incisive work bridges feminist epistemology, digital transformation, and institutional critique. Positioned at the intersection of gender, technology, and the future of work, it examines how patterns of exclusion are embedded within technological systems — and how these might be disrupted. Drawing on a wide range of qualitative research, it explores how automation, artificial intelligence, and data practices often reinforce structural inequalities under the guise of innovation.
The book's core thesis is that technologies, such as automation and AI, are far from neutral; they are embedded with and perpetuate existing social hierarchies, especially gender-based ones. Kelan challenges the popular belief that inclusion can be achieved simply by increasing the presence of women or marginalized groups in tech spaces. Instead, she urges a structural and relational reimagining of how digital systems are conceived, developed, and applied.
By analysing diverse contexts — including hiring practices, professional services, and data annotation — Kelan illustrates how narratives around the “future of work” often foreground male-dominated perspectives. These narratives frequently obscure emotional labour and hierarchical dynamics, especially those traditionally assigned to women and undervalued in professional settings. She also deconstructs the widespread view that algorithmic bias is merely a technical issue, arguing instead that such thinking sidesteps the deeper power relations encoded in digital infrastructures.
For feminists, educators, and social practitioners, the book offers a compelling invitation to engage critically with technological systems. It presents an analytical lens for understanding how inclusion is mediated through digital tools, while advocating for more ethically-grounded and justice-oriented design and implementation practices.
The methodology employed is qualitative, interpretive, and multi-sited, drawing on interviews, case studies, and autoethnographic reflections. This approach is well-suited to the book's ambition of tracing recurring socio-technical dynamics without overgeneralising. Rather than limiting the scope to a single industry, Kelan synthesizes insights from multiple domains — such as virtual reality training and hiring platforms — to reveal the underlying mechanisms of exclusion. The pattern-oriented analysis allows her to interrogate structural dynamics while maintaining attention to nuance and complexity. Notably, her emphasis on reflexivity and positionality strengthens the integrity of the research and enhances its credibility.
Structurally, the book is well-organized, moving from theoretical framing to grounded analysis. Each chapter focuses on a specific domain — such as automation, hiring, or data practices — enabling the reader to see how broad dynamics of exclusion manifest in concrete contexts. The concluding chapter thoughtfully integrates the findings and extends them toward institutional and societal reform.
Kelan's writing is lucid and engaging, striking a balance between academic rigour and accessibility. Complex concepts are unpacked with clarity, without reliance on jargon, and are consistently illustrated through well-chosen real-world examples. For scholars and practitioners alike, the book delivers both theoretical depth and actionable insight.
That said, Patterns of inclusion is not without limitations. One notable shortcoming is the relatively limited integration of intersectional identities beyond gender. While race, class, and other axes of inequality are acknowledged, they are not explored with the same depth and consistency. A more thorough intersectional analysis would reinforce the book's commitments to decoloniality and social justice by highlighting how various forms of marginalization are co-constructed within technological systems.
Some chapters could also benefit from more structured transitions, particularly where arguments oscillate between social and technical dimensions. For example, the discussion of algorithmic bias could be made more accessible with clearer framing of the shifts in perspective.
Additionally, the book's primary focus on formal work contexts may unintentionally overlook the growing influence of digital technologies in unpaid and informal labour spaces — contexts that are also deeply gendered. Including these areas would provide a fuller account of how technology reshapes inclusion across the spectrum of labor.
Another area that could be strengthened is the attention given to agency and resistance. While the book powerfully critiques techno-optimism, it gives less visibility to the efforts of workers, activists, and communities who challenge and reshape dominant technological paradigms. Highlighting these counter-narratives would provide a more balanced account of how digital futures are negotiated on the ground.
Nonetheless, these are relatively modest gaps in an otherwise impactful and insightful work. Addressing them could extend the book's scope, but they do not detract from its core contributions.
This volume is particularly suited for academics, educators, and practitioners interested in critical analyses of digitalisation through feminist and intersectional lenses. Its combination of theoretical clarity and grounded analysis makes it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand how gender and technology co-produce systems of inclusion and exclusion. Its alignment with ethics of care and equity-oriented approaches is especially relevant for fields like social work, education, and policy.
For readers invested in critical feminist praxis, the book deepens understanding of how digital infrastructures can either reproduce or challenge systemic injustice. Its interrogation of dominant narratives surrounding automation and fairness contributes meaningfully to broader debates about power, accountability, and representation in the digital age. This work thus complements ongoing efforts to decolonize and transform institutions that are increasingly reliant on data and technology.
In sum, Patterns of inclusion is a compelling and timely contribution to feminist scholarship on digital transformation. It challenges readers to critically examine the politics embedded in technological systems and invites the imagining of more equitable and inclusive futures. Through its rigorous critique and thoughtful analysis, it underscores the continued necessity of feminist engagement in shaping the digital world.
