The invention is a photoswitchable benzocyclobutene-based polymer that while remaining aqueous developable, avoids the problem of significant moisture uptake. The oligomer or polymer comprises a polymeric backbone, benzocyclobutene reactive groups, and photoswitchable pendant groups. The pendant groups are bonded to the polymeric backbone and are characterized by the presence of a moiety that converts to carboxylic acid upon exposure to activating wavelengths of radiation a carboxylic acid. When the oligomer or polymer is subsequently heated to cause cure of the oligomer or polymer, carbon dioxide is emitted and the group forms a substantially non-polar moiety. The invention is also a method of making such a polymer and a method of forming a patterned film using such a polymer.