The "Industrial Revolution" in the Home: Household Technology and Social Change in the 20th Century

Abstract

Some years ago sociologists of the functionalist school formulated an explanation of the impact of industrial technology on the modern family. Although that explanation was not empirically verified, it has become almost universally accepted.1 Despite some differences in emphasis, the basic tenets of the traditional interpretation can be roughly summarized as follows: Before industrialization the family was the basic social unit. Most families were rural, large, and self-sustaining; they produced and processed almost everything that was needed for their own support and for trading in the marketplace, while at the same time perform-DR. COWAN, associate professor of history at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, is currently engaged in further research on the development of household technology and its impact upon women. This paper is based upon a presentation by Dr. Cowan at SHOT's 1973 annual meeting in San Francisco. 'For some classic statements of the standard view, see W. F. Ogburn and M.

Time-Oriented Advertising: A Content Analysis of United States Magazine Advertising, 1890-1988

“…Literature from economics, sociology, and anthropology suggests that consumers in industrialized/ urbanized societies are more concerned with time than are consumers in less developed societies and are more likely to regard time as a scarce resource (Gross 1987). It has even been argued that the proliferation of timeand labor-saving products has exacerbated time scarcity by encouraging higher housekeeping standards and increased consumption administration (e.g., Cowan 1983;Linder 1970).…”

Uncertain Mobilities

“…It can be argued that for many middle class families domestic burdens increased in the twentieth century as servants became less affordable and less available, and housewives had to take on a greater range of domestic duties themselves. 60 Although not amongst the poorest in society, most of the diarists mentioned were living in households without servants, and even in the Lee home the large family (12 children born to Elizabeth's mother) meant that both Mrs Lee and her daughter contributed extensively to domestic duties. towards what is perceived as normality?…”

Electric appliance advertising: the role of the Good Housekeeping Institute

“…However, housewives were not trained to use these new innovations, to apply scientific management principles in the home, or even make wise purchase decisions because their experience as a consumer was limited (Cowan, 1976;Hand and Shove, 2004). Home economists, who embraced the use of technology and scientific management principles, emerged as a major force influencing women's adoption of scientific management principles and the use of new innovations (including electric appliances) in the home.…”

“…Changes in immigration and child-labor laws also contributed to the shortage of workers (Katzman, 1978). Now, the housewife would need to shoulder even more of the burden of housekeeping including the use of heavy, labor-intensive equipment such as irons heated on a range, treadle sewing machines and manual washing machines (Cowan, 1976).…”