Distinguishing Machines

Abstract

The analyvsis in this paper suggests that when technology users define some kinds of machines as better than others for their work, they construct a scarcity of "good" equipment. This socialli' defined scarcity encourages users to struggle to get access to "good" equipment and to treat those with access to it as elites. To make this case the author uses participant observation data on film schools and student access to film-making equipment.