'What have you caught?' Nannycams and hidden cameras as normalised surveillance of the intimate

Szakolczai, J. M. (2021) 'What have you caught?' Nannycams and hidden cameras as normalised surveillance of the intimate. In: O'Connor, P. and Benţa, M. I. (eds.) The Technologisation of the Social: A Political Anthropology of the Digital Machine. Series: Contemporary liminality. Routledge: Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY, pp. 139-152. ISBN 9780367511661 (doi: 10.4324/9781003052678-10)

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Publisher's URL: https://www.routledge.com/The-Technologisation-of-the-Social-A-Political-Anthropology-of-the-Digital/OConnor-Benta/p/book/9780367511661

Abstract

This chapter concerns the use and abuse of spycams, nowadays easily available on the main e-commerce platforms, within the domestic environment. Such devices feature minuscule lenses, motion sensors and night-view capabilities – particularly efficient in remotely ‘watching over’ and ‘checking on’ nannies and dog sitters. However, their use has implications for the incidental monitoring of unaware guests/intruders, in extreme cases permitting tolerated instances of domestic abuse. Through an onlife ethnography of reviews and forums, the chapter suggests their use has become a normative and well-integrated characteristic of everyday domestic life.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Szakolczai, Dr Janos Mark
Authors: Szakolczai, J. M.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Publisher:Routledge
ISBN:9780367511661
Published Online:30 December 2021

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