Sorting Things Out: Classification and Its Consequences

TLDR: The authors present fascinating history and insights into the development of various classification systems and identify issues that arise during the creation of any classification system, such as the need to compromise between providing granular classifications that satisfy needs specific to a time and place.

Abstract: Bowker GC and Star SL. 389 pages. Cambridge, MA, and London: MIT Pr; 1999. $29.95. ISBN 0262024616. Order phone 800-356-0343. Field of medicine: Public health and medical informatics. Format: Hardcover book (softcover also available). Audience: Physicians and nonphysicians involved in developing or setting policy for classification systems, nomenclatures, or vocabularies. Purpose: To discuss the idea that classifications and standardizations have direct impact on social and political aspects of human interaction. Content: The authors organize their presentation into an introductory chapter that frames the issues, followed by three sections (classification and large-scale infrastructures, classification and biography, and classification and work practice) providing specific examples, and a conclusion section. The authors use the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, race classification under apartheid in South Africa, and the Nursing Intervention Classification as primary examples. An extensive bibliography of more than 300 references, a name index, and a subject index follow the text. Highlights: The authors present fascinating history and insights into the development of various classification systems. In addition, they identify issues that arise during the creation of any classification system, such as the need to compromise between providing granular classifications that satisfy needs specific to a time and place. Finally, the authors draw attention to the implications of choices made in the development of some important classification systems. These implications bear on moral judgments, financial effects, and political gains or losses. Limitations: The authors' writing style hinder the reader's ability to access the interesting information and to understand the implications of choices made in developing classification systems. While the overall organization of the book is clear, the themes and ideas do not flow well. Sentences require repeated readings, and a dictionary at your side would be helpful, given the authors' frequent use of unfamiliar words. These failings obscure interesting and valuable facts and viewpoints. Related readings: Svenonius'The Intellectual Foundation of Information Organization (MIT Pr; 2000) and Aitchison and colleagues'Thesaurus Construction and Use: A Practical Manual (Fitzroy Dearborn; 2000). Reviewers: J. Marc Overhage, MD, PhD, and Jeffery G. Suico, MD, Regenstrief Institute for Health Care and Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.