A master thesis from Aalborg University
Frihed på kontrakt: Et kvalitativt studie af IT-freelanceres arbejdsliv og platformenes rolle i jobskabelse
[Freedom on Contract: A Qualitative Study of IT Freelancers' Work Lives and the Role of Platforms in Job Creation]
Forfatter(e)
Semester
4. semester
Uddannelse
Udgivelsesår
2025
Afleveret
2025-05-28
Antal sider
66 pages
Abstract
Background: While freelancing is not a new phenomenon, a growing proportion of the workforce is engaged in atypical employment forms, including freelance work. The use of digital platforms among freelancers has increased, also amongst freelancers that specialize in IT. Existing research suggests that this work form is attractive due to increased autonomy, flexibility and freedom. However, limited research exists on Danish freelancers and their work practices. Aim: This thesis examines how Danish IT freelancers’ work lives are characterized and how online platforms serves as a tool to support their opportunities to create jobs, using three interrelated sub-questions regarding experiences with- and views on freelance careers. Methods: Using a qualitative approach grounded in critical realism, the study is based on semi-structured interviews with eight IT freelancers. The empirical findings are analyzed through theories of the new spirit of capitalism, neoliberal self-governance and platforms as ‘permissive potentates’. Results: In order to answer all three sub-questions, three sub-conclusions have been carried out, whereas the first conclusion shows that the freelancers are motivated by the desire for variation, flexibility in their day-to-day life, autonomy and economic incentives. Second conclusion shows that online platforms serve as an enabler to access work opportunities on various projects. Furthermore, the freelancers are experiencing increased freedom and autonomy due to the use of these platforms, although they need to work under the structures and logics of the platforms. The third conclusion shows that the informants experience some uncertainty in the realm of IT-freelancing, as jobs are temporary and the system does not fully support this type of work-practice. Conclusion: Danish IT freelancers are characterized by ideals of freedom, flexibility and self-governance in their line of work, but are paradoxically experiencing structural constraints. They internalize project-oriented norms as individual values and operate with a neoliberal mindset, viewing themselves as “enterprises”. Freedom ideals collide with systematic frameworks, intensifying legal and social uncertainties. Job creation depends on online platforms who serve as a facilitator in creating jobs for IT freelancers, whilst also imposing a controlling mechanism.
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