New Books in Sociology Gabriella Coleman on Hackers Cultures (Plural!)
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Feb 10, 2025 Gabriella Coleman, a Harvard anthropologist and expert on hacker cultures, joins Paula Bialski, a digital sociology professor, to discuss the evolution and ethics of hacking. They explore the changing identities of hackers, from 'white hats' to 'black hats,' and how aesthetics in coding can provoke moral outrage. The conversation highlights the professionalization of hacking and the tensions between quality and speed in software development. Coleman also hints at founding a new field of Critical Mold Studies—an intriguing twist on traditional academic disciplines!
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Origin of Hacker Studies
- Gabriella Coleman became interested in hacking after an illness kept her home with internet access.
- Her advisors initially discouraged this research area, but she persisted.
Digital Spaces as Places
- Traditional anthropology emphasizes physical place, but digital spaces like chat rooms are also places.
- Hacker culture has place-based aspects (conferences) and online aspects.
Darker Sides of Hacking
- Hacking has diversified beyond its liberal/libertarian roots, encompassing darker, anti-democratic trends.
- This includes movements like the dark enlightenment, which questions democracy and the values of the Enlightenment.
