In my dissertation “Algorithms, habitus, social context – on the professional work of data scientists,” I explore which job-specific patterns of perception, evaluation, and action influence the practice of algorithm development. To learn more about data scientists’ understandings of their profession and working methods, I conducted 16 interviews with data scientists in Europe and North America. In my analysis, I compared their different approaches and was able to create a differentiated typology of working methods. The results show that the professional group of data scientists is highly time-driven in their work. They have to be able to deliver results within short time frames and are in constant communication with their superiors or stakeholders. Many always work on several projects at the same time. Their understanding of the profession is oriented towards solving other people’s problems. They sometimes describe themselves as enablers. In doing so, they navigate tensions between production and service. In a way, they can be described as service providers engaged in production.
Although these experts are aware that algorithms have undesirable social consequences – for example, when it comes to how they influence opinion formation on social media – data scientists do not see themselves as responsible for addressing these issues. Instead, they assign responsibility to laws, regulations, or other professional groups. Digital technologies, therefore, result from a combination of professional habits, stakeholder expectations, and existing working conditions.
Click here to visit the blog ≠ transformation of the Chair of Inequality Research and Social Stratification Analysis at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, where Steffen Hagemann works: unequaltransformation.com/
This text was published in the university magazine Portal - Zwei 2025 „Demokratie“. (in German)
Here You can find all articles in English at a glance: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/explore-the-up/up-to-date/university-magazine/portal-two-2025-democracy