Software engineers or artists? Programmers’ identity choices
Abstract
This paper explores how assigning software developers the identity of “engineers” metes out
specific assumptions about IT projects. To this end, the paper describes an alternative
metaphor of programming as art, which is commonly used by the programmers interviewed. In
addition, the discussion draws conclusions from the discrepancies between the two views as
well as from the proposed metaphor, explaining organizational reluctance to aesthetical
vocabulary. This paper discusses occupational identity—emphasizing the identity of
programmers—using qualitative research methods. As such, it enriches the literature currently
available on this profession.
specific assumptions about IT projects. To this end, the paper describes an alternative
metaphor of programming as art, which is commonly used by the programmers interviewed. In
addition, the discussion draws conclusions from the discrepancies between the two views as
well as from the proposed metaphor, explaining organizational reluctance to aesthetical
vocabulary. This paper discusses occupational identity—emphasizing the identity of
programmers—using qualitative research methods. As such, it enriches the literature currently
available on this profession.