Why do we have to turn on this washing machine? The processes of domesticating household technology – situations of resistance

Abstract

Reductionist approaches to the issue of technology's spread define resistance to new technology as "technophobia" (Brosnan 1998), thus strengthening the ideo logy of progress, a certain normative postulate about the necessity to adapt to new technological innovations. Those who stray from the path of progress suffer from a "pho bia" -a disorder, a disease. The use of words such as "technophobia" indicates that the dominant narrative of the need for development and progress can be oppressive. Sally Wyatt begins her article on this subject with the confession that she has never owned a car (2007, p. 67). At the same time, she emphasizes that she has passed the driving test (twice), and in extremely difficult weather conditions (a snowstorm), thus her reason for not using a car is not lack of competence. Wyatt completes her autobiographical statement with a confession that her social circles could not understand her decision not to have a car and described the choice as "weird, " "abnormal, " or even a manifestation of immaturity (a "real" adult drives a car). This experience caused Wyatt to reflect on whether people who do not use technology are considered disadvantaged and in need of help or recovery, education, or admonition, as her friends had thought in regard to her. Wyatt emphasizes her own skill -she could drive a car even in a snowstorm -and gives several arguments justifying the rationality of her choice (economics, the environment, concern for her own and others' health and life). Wyatt's arguments are intended to convince the reader that her decision not to drive is as valid, rational, and commendable as her friends' decision to drive. In other words, Wyatt argues that non-use does not have to be defined as inferior to use; it does not have to stem from a lack of competence/skill or from economic deprivation. Wyatt, however, does not explain from whence non-use derives, except in her own example, in which she points to a deliberate and rational argument -the balance of advantages and disadvantages. She also shows only two possibilities: being an active user or a non-user.In this article 1 , I will look at the reasons for people's reluctance, resistance, or reserve in regard to certain home appliances (devices for cleaning, washing, and cooking),

Przemiany emocjonalności w procesie rewolucji konsumpcyjnej

“…Technologie wkraczały w tym okresie również w życie codzienne, proces ten jest nazywany udomowieniem technologii. Udomowienie konkretnej technologii obejmuje jej nabycie czy uzyskanie w gospodarstwie domowym, proces umiejscawiania jej w przestrzeni domowej i sieci relacji z domownikami, infrastrukturą i innymi przedmiotami, a następnie proces wszelkich zmian w ramach tych relacji, włącznie z dołączaniem kolejnych "partnerów" w sieci relacji (Skowrońska 2020). Tak więc proces udomowienia danej technologii właściwie nigdy się nie kończy (Hand, Shove 2007) i w każdym gospodarstwie dla każdej technologii ma specyficzną, właściwą tylko tej sieci relacji formę (Silverstone 1993).…”

“…zwrotu w kierunku przedmiotów w naukach społecznych. Udomowienie jest procesem, w ramach którego dana technologia wkracza do gospodarstwa domowego jako przedmiot, ale również nośnik sfery publicznej i zostaje zaadaptowana do rutyny codziennych praktyk i struktury przestrzeni domu (Skowrońska 2020). W XVIII-wiecznej Anglii domowe technologie jeszcze nie istniały, a gdy wkraczały, były przyjmowane przez spragnionego nowości i zawsze nienasyconego nowoczesnego konsumenta.…”