Dr. Jennifer Whitson

Biography

Jennifer R. Whitson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo. Her research interests include the areas of Sociology, Culture, and Economics with a particular focus on Software Production, the Game Industry, and Surveillance Studies. Whitson's current research focuses on the secret life of software and the technologies that people take for granted, as well as how these technologies can shape the creative work of game developers and influence the broader cultural context of gaming. She employs ethnographic methods within game studios to explore risk management practices and digital distribution strategies that affect game design and governance. Whitson has also been involved in examining independent game development support networks and the interplay between gamification and governance. Her publications include works on governance through gamification and the impact of social media on gaming behavior. With significant experience in the game industry and a commitment to equity in research, she continues to contribute meaningfully to academic discussions and the practical impacts of technology in society.

Research Interests

Experience