Algorithmic Bias, Power, and Inequality in the Digital Age

Call for Chapters: Algorithmic Bias, Power, and Inequality in the Digital Age

Editors
Deniz Akçay Balcı, Istanbul Gedik University, Turkey

Call for Chapters
Proposals Submission Deadline: April 26, 2026
Full Chapters Due: August 9, 2026
Submission Date: August 9, 2026

Introduction

Digital transformation plays a decisive role in virtually every aspect of social life. In this process, algorithms in particular make significant contributions to the rapid decision-making processes of individuals, institutions, and businesses. Accordingly, algorithmic systems have become an integral part of daily life by influencing decision-making processes in many fields, such as healthcare, education, finance, employment, governance, and social media. On the other hand, algorithms are not merely neutral mechanisms that process data, as is often assumed. Research on the subject indicates that algorithms can become tools that reproduce and even reinforce existing social inequalities. Algorithmic bias arises when automated systems systematically produce unfair outcomes for specific individuals or groups. These biases typically stem from historical inequalities in training data, design processes, and implementation contexts. Disadvantaged groups may be disproportionately affected by these biases based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. As algorithmic decision-making processes expand, understanding how these systems shape social structures and power dynamics becomes increasingly important. However, algorithms should not be viewed merely as technical tools. These systems are also socio-technical structures shaped by institutional priorities, economic interests, and political dynamics. The growing prevalence of artificial intelligence applications, platform economies, and data-driven governance processes has brought discussions on transparency, accountability, justice, and ethical responsibility into sharper focus. This edited volume, titled Algorithmic Bias, Power, and Inequality in the Digital Age, aims to examine the complex relationships between algorithmic technologies, power structures, and social inequalities. The book seeks to bring together interdisciplinary studies addressing the social impacts of algorithmic systems. In this context, theoretical, empirical, and methodological contributions from communication studies, media studies, sociology, political science, computer science, and related fields are encouraged. By bringing together diverse perspectives, this book aims to contribute to the development of more fair, transparent, and responsible algorithmic systems in the digital age.

Objective

The primary aim of this edited volume is to examine the relationships between algorithmic systems, power structures, and social inequalities in the digital age from a critical perspective. As algorithmic technologies increasingly shape decision-making processes across various sectors, it has become essential to understand the social impacts and potential risks of these systems. This book aims to examine the effects of algorithmic systems on visibility, representation, participation, and access to opportunities from an interdisciplinary perspective. Another key objective of this book is to bring together diverse theoretical, empirical, and methodological approaches to the issues of algorithmic bias and inequality. Through contributions from various disciplines such as communication studies, media studies, sociology, political science, and computer science, the book seeks to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue on algorithmic governance and digital inequality. Additionally, this book aims to contribute to the existing literature by addressing current developments such as artificial intelligence, platform economies, and data-driven decision-making processes. The goal is to identify gaps in the existing literature and provide new perspectives on transparency, accountability, justice, and ethical governance. Finally, this book aims to contribute to the development of more inclusive, fair, and responsible algorithmic systems by providing both theoretical and practical insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

Target Audience

This book is intended for academics, researchers, and graduate students in communication studies, media studies, sociology, political science, computer science, and related disciplines. Scholars interested in algorithmic bias, artificial intelligence, and digital inequality will particularly benefit from this volume. Additionally, the book will be valuable for policymakers, technology developers, and practitioners seeking to better understand the societal implications of algorithmic systems. This volume also aims to serve as a useful resource for undergraduate and graduate-level courses related to digital media, artificial intelligence, and data ethics.

Recommended Topics

Topics to be discussed in this book include, but are not limited to: • Algorithmic bias and discrimination • Artificial intelligence and social inequality • Algorithmic governance and power structures • Platform algorithms and digital inequality • Data-driven decision-making and ethics • Algorithmic transparency and accountability • AI ethics and responsible AI • Gender, race, and algorithmic systems • Algorithmic bias in hiring and recruitment systems • Bias in facial recognition technologies • Social media algorithms and representation • Platform capitalism and algorithmic power • Data surveillance and algorithmic control • Algorithmic decision-making in public policy • AI and digital discrimination • Big data and social inequality • Algorithmic fairness and accountability • Digital platforms and power relations • Algorithmic governance in smart cities • AI regulation and policy frameworks • Ethical implications of algorithmic systems • Algorithmic bias in healthcare systems • Education technologies and algorithmic decision-making • Algorithmic influence on public opinion • Recommender systems and content visibility • Digital labor and algorithmic management

Submission Procedure

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before April 26, 2026, a chapter proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors will be notified by May 10, 2026 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines.Full chapters of a minimum of 10,000 words (word count includes references and related readings) are expected to be submitted by August 9, 2026, and all interested authors must consult the guidelines for manuscript submissions at https://www.igi-global.com/publish/contributor-resources/before-you-write/ prior to submission. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-anonymized review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.

Note: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book publication, Algorithmic Bias, Power, and Inequality in the Digital Age. All manuscripts are accepted based on a double-anonymized peer review editorial process.

All proposals should be submitted through the eEditorial Discovery® online submission manager.

Publisher

This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, an international academic publisher of the “Information Science Reference”, “Medical Information Science Reference”, “Business Science Reference”, and “Engineering Science Reference” imprints. IGI Global Scientific Publishing specializes in publishing reference books, scholarly journals, and electronic databases featuring academic research on a variety of innovative topic areas including, but not limited to, education, social science, medicine and healthcare, business and management, information science and technology, engineering, public administration, library and information science, media and communication studies, and environmental science. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit https://www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2027.

Important Dates

April 26, 2026: Proposal Submission Deadline
May 10, 2026: Notification of Acceptance
August 9, 2026: Full Chapter Submission
October 11, 2026: Review Results Returned
November 22, 2026: Final Acceptance Notification
December 6, 2026: Final Chapter Submission

Inquiries

Deniz Akçay Balcı Istanbul Gedik University akcay.deniz78@gmail.com

Classifications

Business and Management; Computer Science and Information Technology; Library and Information Science; Media and Communications; Government and Law; Social Sciences and Humanities

More: https://www.igi-global.com/publish/call-for-papers/call-details/9869