# The Art of Categorization By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-02-28 Categorization is an essential aspect of analysis. Part of analysis is the determination of categorical distinctions that influence or are determinative of results. It is possible to partition or abstract the data so that the categorizations become more or less granular. It is possible, as an example, to break data down into gender categories or to aggregate them all as humans. But the decision to categorize isn’t only analytical. It is also potentially political. If the categorization isn’t based on an assessment of the results, it is often based on the degree to which one cares. If a person doesn’t care, a mass of data might be lumped together in one case while simultaneously parsing minute distinctions in an area of concern or focus. An example could be constructive. Assume one is dealing with college administration. Within one department there are 150 students evenly divided between Accounting, Business, and Economics. In another department, there are 10 students evenly divided between Philosophy and Religion. A decision could be made to treat all five focus areas as distinct. Conversely, a decision could be made to treat Accounting, Business, and Economics as one aggreged unit and Philosophy and Religion as another aggregated unit. Interestingly, a decision could be made, probably politically, to treat them differently. One example might be to aggregate Accounting, Business, and Economics but treat Philosophy and Religion as distinct. There is no “right” answer to how something is categorized. Differences exist. Whether or not one account for those differences is likely influenced by a determination as to the degree to which those differences influence results and the degree to which one cares. Economists are distinct from accountants, for those unaware of the distinction or don’t value the nuance, they can all be lumped together as “business majors.” Philosophy is distinct from religion. For those who find them both esoteric, they can be aggregated into “the humanities.” Categorization is a political act with potential analytic consequences. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Politics]] [[Aggregation]] [[Caring]]