Government Statistical Agencies and the Politics of Credibility

Cosmo Howard is Senior Lecturer, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University. He has taught political science, public policy and administration in Australia and Canada. His research has been published in several books and leading international journals including Governance and Public Administration. He has worked as a consultant for Australian and Canadian governments.

• Introduction; 1. Credibility and official statistics; 2. Australia; 3. Canada; 4. Sweden; 5. The United Kingdom; 6. The United States of America; 7. Conclusions; Notes; List of cited interviews by order of appearance; References; Index.

'In this dramaturgical sociology of statisticians in five liberal democracies, Cosmo Howard has produced a wonderfully rich set of insights into expertise, authority and the public performances of statistical systems. This enjoyable and in-depth examination uncovers the struggles for credibility of both politicians and statisticians, in the twenty-first century. In doing so it highlights the importance of performative strategies for all experts.' Jenny M Lewis, Professor, University of Melbourne, Australia