Modern conveniences are labor-saving devices that make a task easier to perform than a traditional method. Because of the historical use of the term, and the differences in lifestyles around the world, the term is a relative term based upon the conveniences previously available to a person and his or her neighbors. For instance, an American definition of "modern convenience" is likely different than an individual living in an developing country.
Most of the time the term "modern conveniences" is used to express personal lifestyle and home life.
Contents |
Household
In 1889, architect and author Louis. H. Gibson defined modern conveniences as "those arrangements and appliances which make it possible for people to live comfortably in a larger house, without seriously increasing the cares which they had in a smaller one." The supposition is that at that time if a family lived in a smaller home, they would have less furniture, appliances and other goods to take care of, and as a result the family's lifestyle and housekeeping would be relatively easy. If, on the other hand, a family moved into a larger home the increase area and furnishings would be much more difficult to manage without labor-saving devices.[1]
Examples of modern conveniences at that time included:[2][3]
In addition to the modern conveniences of the previous century, the 20th century also afforded the following common conveniences:
The homes of the 20th century are much bigger than the homes of our family members from the 19th century, both in terms of square footage and number of rooms. Homes built at the beginning of the 21st century have 2-3 times more rooms than homes at the turn of the 20th century. In terms of square footage, new homes built in 2000 are 50% larger than a home built in the 1960s.[4]
Some examples of modern conveniences in the 20th century include:[5][6]
Comparison of modern conveniences in new housing construction
Peter Ferrara quotes in his book America's Ticking Bankruptcy Bomb that the access to modern conveniences is markedly different in 21st century new homes than at the beginning of the 20th century:[4]
Modern conveniences | 1900 | 1950 | 2011 |
---|---|---|---|
Electricity | < 2% | (1) | (1) |
Running water Flush toilets Vacuum cleaner Gas or electric heat |
< 20% | Unknown | 80-100% |
Dishwasher Microwave oven Air conditioner |
None | < 20% | 80-100% |
Central air conditioning Decks and Patios Swimming pools Ceiling fans |
(2) | (2) | Prevalent |
(1) Not stated, likely 100%. (2) Likely extremely rare at the beginning of the 20th century.
Upcoming technological advancements
David Kirkpatrick, author of The Facebook Effect and Tech Targets the Third World projects that technological advancements in education and health care, mobile computing and broadband will empower the poor and provide economic opportunities that they would not otherwise have access. These technologies are relatively easy and cost-effective to implement because of technological advancements that have driven down the costs and because developing countries do not have expensive and outdated legacy systems to manage emerging technology.[7]
Key beliefs that determine an Anabaptist community's position on use of modern conveniences are:[8][9]
Religion | General position | Electricity | Comments use of modern conveniences |
---|---|---|---|
Amish | Generally, the Amish avoid use of modern conveniences to limit their contact with the outside world.[10] In recent years, there has been greater openness to strategically select certain modern conveniences to support their businesses, while keeping the spirit of the separateness. Per Donald Kraybill and Steven Nolt: "If it enhances the welfare of the community, new technology is welcomed. Only when it peels away community cohesion does technology face the frown of the church."[11] | Generally,[12] Amish avoid electricity lines coming directly in their homes, but they may used battery, generators, or pneumatic or hydraulic power, such as for machinery and tools.[10] | In most cases the Amish do not have cars, telephone lines coming into their home, or farm equipment that they would ride, all of which increase contact with the outside world or be significant advantages from worldly capabilities. There are exceptions, such as use of voicemail and mobile phones for people who own businesses or are in a progressive order, with guidance provided by their church.[10][13][14][15] |
Mennonite | There is wide disparity among the Mennonite, from those most Progressive to the strictest Old Order about the use of modern conveniences. For instance, some Progressive Mennonites life in cities and enjoy many of the modern conveniences of their non-Mennonite neighbors. Each Mennonite community determines its right path, but always with the ideal of living "simply and humbly".[16] | See general comment and Old Order information. | See general comment and Old Order information. |
Old order Anabaptists: Hutterites, Mennonites, Amish and Brethren | Although there are some modern conveniences that Old Order members enjoy, they are the most reluctant of the Anabaptists to accept the use of technology, especially direct use. For many of them it is a slippery slope that leads to eternal damnation.[17] | Use of telephone service and electricity lines brought into the home are generally discouraged, decisions are made by the individual religious communities. Like the Amish, they explore creative use of energy, like batteries, generators, etc.[18] | It is difficult to provide one conclusion for four Old Order religions: Each religious community determines the use of modern conveniences based upon their specific circumstances.[19] |
Shabbat is the seventh day of the Jewish week and a day of rest in Judaism. Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until a few minutes after the appearance of three stars in the sky[20] on Saturday night. On Shabbat Jews recall the Biblical Creation account in Genesis, describing God creating the Heavens and the Earth in six days and resting on the seventh. It also recalls the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, when God commanded the Israelite nation to observe the seventh day and keep it holy. Shabbat is considered a festive day, when a Jew is freed from the regular labors of everyday life, can contemplate the spiritual aspects of life, and can spend time with family. Orthodox and some Conservative authorities rule that there are 39 prohibited activities of work (melakhot), such as turning electric devices on or off, driving cars and more during the Shabbat, as listed in Mishnah Tractate Shabbat.[21][22][23]
There are many ramifications of the development of modern conveniences for individuals and their families over the past 150 or more years. The many labor-saving devices have kept pace with growing houses and furnishings and allow for greater leisure. There are also some negative effects, some of which are also as the result of advancements in chemical technology in the food that we eat or products that we use. In these cases there are also conflicting opinions about the extent to which some of the products are harmful. Here are a few examples of positive and negative effects of modern conveniences.
Health Care
Technological advancement in underdeveloped countries
In 1905 the Journal of the American Medical Association published an article titled "Nervous Strain" about how "modern conveniences" make our lives busier and with less direct contact than the preceding generations. As an example, the author compared having a calming cup of tea with a person to the more distant practice of placing a telephone call. Labor-saving devices meant that people now spent more time sitting, breathed machinery generated smoke, and ate food in greater abundance, changing peoples' diets. These activities were speculated to result in high blood pressure, obesity and "nervous strain."[25]
Although modern conveniences have resulted in greater ease for our lives, there are some harmful impacts to some modern conveniences: