Gendered and generational dynamics of domestic automations

Abstract

Automation in the home is often presented as a value neutral process which makes life easier, more efficient and more productive. As recent research on the introduction of domestic technologies has revealed, these technologies are rarely value neutral and often work to reinforce gender dynamics in the household. This article examines the gendered and generational dimensions of how smart and automated technologies are being integrated into homes. Drawing upon 3 years research conducted between 2015 and 2017 in 11 households in Melbourne, Australia, we examine how households manage the storing and transfer of digital material and digital devices (images, videos and files from smartphones, tablets and laptops). Digital materials move within households and between different family members, and these processes are governed by often unstated rules, including changes in the life course. By examining the relationships between gendered and generational roles and automation in the household, we highlight the importance of smaller scale interpersonal relationships, which influences the negotiation of automation in emotionally laden contexts of families. Automated decision making may both support and challenge gendered norms around technology ownership and management.

The gendering of energy household labour

“…Some indirect mentions are found in recent research relating to the mental aspects of energy household labour, such as observations with regard to smart technologies' opportunity of relieving time and effort (therefore removing some of the mental load) from householders (Tirado Herrero et al 2018;Strengers et al 2019, Strengers 2013, issues of cognitive learning of technologies Hargreaves et al 2018), the role of emotions in the shaping of household automation (Sinanan & Horst 2021), issues of care and cognitive labour (Aagaard 2022), household management (Johnson 2020) and cognitive labour for the embedding of smart technologies into the home (Strengers & Kennedy 2020). However, these examples do not explicitly identify the mental aspects of energy household labour as the combination of cognitive and emotional aspects required for the coordination and orchestration of energy household labour with everyday routines.…”

“…The mental aspect of household labour is mixed with other expectations and roles such as being a good parent (Sinanan & Horst 2021). For example, keeping the household on track is another way of explaining the mental load of household labour, which Morosanu (2016) describes as the role of Mother-Multiple.…”

“…Overall, household labour studies point towards an overrepresentation of women in the performance of these everyday tasks (OECD 2019;Tai & Treas 2013). On the other hand, with few exceptions (Sinanan & Horst 2021), recent studies of digital housekeeping practices show a larger representation of men in the undertaking of such activities (Kennedy et al 2015;Tirado Herrero et al 2018), possibly partly replacing their involvement in ordinary, everyday tasks of household labour (Johnson 2020;Kennedy et al 2015;Strengers et al 2019). This might widen the gender gap in the performance of household labour bringing about the risk of miscoordination of practices and additional complications for the successful integration in the home's existing rhythms (Kennedy et al 2015).…”