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‘The future’s bright, the future’s mobile’: a study of Apple and Google mobile application developers

Author

Listed:
  • Birgitta Bergvall-KÃ¥reborn

    (Luleå University of Technology, Sweden)

  • Debra Howcroft

    (University of Manchester, UK and Luleå University of Technology, Sweden)

Abstract

Software work is often depicted as a ‘sunrise occupation’, consisting of knowledge workers that are able to craft stable careers. The aim of this article is to question this account by analysing the experiences of mobile applications developers, with a focus on Apple and Google platforms. The analysis is situated in the context of wider socioeconomic trends and developments in product and technology markets, since these structures frame the working practices of software developers. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork in Sweden, the UK and the USA, the study reveals how changing market structures have given rise to increasingly precarious working conditions and unstable labour markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Birgitta Bergvall-KÃ¥reborn & Debra Howcroft, 2013. "‘The future’s bright, the future’s mobile’: a study of Apple and Google mobile application developers," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 27(6), pages 964-981, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:27:y:2013:i:6:p:964-981
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