In the article written by Cowan, it discusses the industrialization not just within society but within the home. I found the article very interesting from the stand point that I had never thought that industrialization was something that happened in the house. But, as the article went on it became clear that it was something that had happened within my own life and my own home.
Cowan discusses that her life as a housewife washing clothes and cleaning the house made her ask some questions that resulted in some key research for her. Why would she make her children take off dirty clothes when she herself would not? Was it because of the concern of others opinions? And where did this thought process stem from? Valid questions. In my previous posts I have discussed how advertising is becoming bigger and impacting more deeply. With the industrialization of the home becoming more prominent and more and more young child are being exposed to advertisements what does this mean for moms? When I was 8 years old my favorite toy or thing to do was ride my bike outside or play with Barbies (yes— I admit I played with Barbies). However, today many 8 year olds spend their time on iPads or iPhones.
But, what does this have to do with mothers and industrialization? Well for mothers the result is primarily that now they have to spend more time making sure that their children are not doing anything ‘bad’ on the internet. I mean I know I wasn’t the only one who made a MySpace account BEFORE I was 16…. so, I can probably safely assume there are some 11 year olds with Facebook. However, these children are also being industrialized. These children are exposed to media at a whole new level than ever before. And unlike before technology that is being made today is not being made to last. Hello! Apple makes a new iPhone every year…. and within two years the old photo is so crappy you HAVE to buy a new one. Creating a cycle of constant industrialization within the home.
And do these electronics make our lives easier? I won’t lie I love my iPhone and I will continue to buy Apple products. But, there are times I do miss not having a cellphone and that my friends had to call on a home phone and my parents monitored me. Now, with as much technology is within there are rising problems with bullying, self-image and a lack of communication in general. Industrialization is supposed to benefit our lives in a certain capacity, however regardless of belief are smartphones, iPads or computers truly great for our society? I guess we will know when the next generation gets older…
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