How AI and Home Automation Are Reshaping Women's Roles and Daily Lives

AI, Automation in the Home, and Its Impact on Women

Source: University of Oxford

Introduction

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, Professor Ekaterina Hertog discusses her research on the intersection of AI and automation in domestic settings, emphasizing its potential to address societal inequalities and enhance women's inclusion in both workplace and home environments.

Research Overview

• Professor Hertog heads the ESRC-funded Domestic AI project at the Oxford Internet Institute.
• The project analyzes how smart household technologies, like robots and innovative gadgets, can save time currently consumed by unpaid domestic labor.
• Insights from research indicate differing perspectives on the marketability of these technologies between male and female experts, particularly in gender-unequal societies.

Technology and Gender Inequality

While automation has the potential to reduce domestic labor, it cannot single-handedly solve gender disparities:

• The development of domestic technologies often reflects the biases of those who create them, typically male-dominated.
• Historically, technologies like washing machines improved efficiency but did not challenge the expectation that women should handle domestic tasks, highlighting the need for systemic change.

Conditions for Effective Use of Technology

To truly alleviate gender inequality, technology must be introduced with thoughtful design and social consideration:

• Inclusivity in technology development is crucial, necessitating input from diverse groups beyond just the traditional tech demographic.
• Policies should accompany technological solutions to address broader societal and economic barriers, ensuring equitable access to new innovations.

Future Aspirations for Women in Tech

Professor Hertog envisions an era where:

• AI technologies reflect a diverse spectrum of experiences, particularly those of women and underrepresented communities.
• There are mechanisms in place to monitor the societal impacts of AI technologies post-implementation, aiming for accountability and continuous improvement.
• Women in the tech field are encouraged to balance their professional ambitions with domestic responsibilities, fostering equality both at work and home.

Conclusion

As automation technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of enhancing efficiencies in domestic life. However, for it to contribute to genuine social equality, a collaborative and inclusive approach to its development and implementation is vital.