'The future's bright, the future's mobile': A study of Apple and Google mobile application developers

Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Debra Howcroft

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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. © The Author(s) 2013.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)964-981
Number of pages17
JournalWork, Employment and Society
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords

  • Android
  • Apple
  • Google
  • iPhone
  • IT developers
  • IT workforce
  • mobile application development and distribution

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