The Sociotechnical Boundaries of Hardware and Software

A Humpty Dumpty History

Bibliographic Data

ID20360575
AuthorsBrent K Jesiek (Virginia Tech), Brent Jesiek (0000-0003-3056-5144, Virginia Tech, corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume26
Issue6
Pages497-509
Publication date2006-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBulletin of Science Technology & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0270-4676 • E-ISSN: 1552-4183
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0270467606295002
OpenAlexW2056339949
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited20

This article traces the historical development of the boundaries around computer software and hardware. On one hand, the author documents ongoing discussions about the technical equivalence of hardware and software. On the other hand, he accounts for the stubborn persistence of these terms as markers for two distinct spheres of technology, knowledge, and practice. By using theoretical concepts such as “boundary work” and “coproduction,” the author argues that ongoing efforts to negotiate the boundaries between hardware and software are significantly “sociotechnical” in that they involve both social and technical considerations. The analysis culminates with a discussion of the more recent rise of the “hardware/software codesign” movement. Particular emphasis is placed on the conditions that led to the emergence of codesign and the ongoing challenges faced by its proponents. The article concludes by describing how codesign points toward a more reflexive and socially responsible culture of computer design and use

Coproduction · Engineering ethics · Knowledge management · Negotiation · Political science · Reflexivity · Social science · Sociology · Sociotechnical system · Software deployment · Software development · Software engineering · Structuring · Computer Science · Digital Games and Media · Engineering · Information Systems Theories and Implementation · Open Source Software Innovations · Software

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