Biological
The fact that all living organisms go through a life cycle- birth, growth, maturity, and death, are the basis for which the product life cycle has been developed. Using the concepts from the life cycle, the product life cycle has four stages: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. (Product) We can see from the washing machine’s growth and development through the years that this is applicable. Starting out with the washboard, development of better designs, more efficient parts, and more expansive options, we can see that the washing machine has gone through most of these. Some products run their course and new innovations replace old ways, and some, like the washing machine, continue development in new and more innovative ways.
The design of the washing machine was primarily for women, since women did all of the laundry in the early stages of the washing machine, and still are the primary housekeepers today. Cambridge Economist Ha-Joon Chang argues that the biggest economic impact we have today is the washing machine. He states that the washing machine and related household gadgets have “Totally transformed the way women, and consequently men, live.” (Chang, H. 2011)
When it comes to whether or not a man uses a washing machine differently than a woman, it would be hard to say. From personal experience, my husband is capable of using the machine, but chooses not to unless absolutely necessary.
Social
According to Chang, the introduction of the washing machine dramatically changed the occupations of women. During the 1890’s, the percentage of women working outside the home was only a few percent, whereas today it is nearly 80 percent. It has all but eliminated the position of domestic servant. (Chang, H. 2011) While some countries appreciate the ability to save time and effort in washing laundry, the same cannot be said of all countries.
Cultural
While most cultures are appreciative of the washing machine, at least one study shows that not all peoples feel the same about saving time and labor when it comes to domestic chores.
In a study done by Helen Meintjes called ‘Washing Machines Make Lazy Women’, 59 households in Soweto, South Africa, were observed in regards to appliances in the households meant to save time in domestic labor. The washing machine was one of the items. While the households contained many technologically advanced items- stoves, heaters, large televisions, hi-fis, large double door refrigerator-freezers, very few contained labor saving items. Amongst the 59 households, only 8 contained washing machines. Some of these homes were very modernly equipped, but contained virtually no items that helped shorten the labor load on the women of the home. When the researcher asked why there was no washing machine, the women would indicate that the laundry was done by someone else outside the home, because they “prefer it that way.”
During a discussion with a group of these women, Meintjes inquired why they didn’t have washing machines. First the reasons given were because machines were hard on fabric, buttons, seams, and didn’t always get the clothes clean. But after a time, the statement was made, “Our husbands say we are lazy [if we desire washing machines]”. Another explained, “Our culture doesn’t allow for washing machines.” (Meintjes, 2001)
Economic
Washing machines are not inexpensive. Who the economics of the machine effect would be based on who is purchasing the item. Not having a washing machine would effect a person more in labor required to wash laundry, or expense to take it to a cleaners, while having one would reduce labor time and cost, but the cost of the machine itself, electricity and water to run it, as well as chemicals to clean, also effect households as well.
Political
While top load washing machines have been the most common and affordable style for several decades, the introduction of the front loader has caused quite a stir due to their energy and water saving design. Ratings from Consumer Reports went down from 1996- where most models tested received “excellent’ ratings down to “fair” or “poor” by 2007.
This has been credited to the federal government’s energy standards for washers that were issued in the early 90’s. Front loaders are better for meeting the standards, and after the more extensive standards were issued in 2007, Consumer Reports claimed that some top loaders didn’t clean the material at all.
This has led to an uproar over the lack of consumer ability to purchase an affordable top loader, and people are left with having to either get their old machines fixed, which is becoming more difficult as parts are becoming obsolete, or invest in the front loading machines, which come with their own issues. Apparently the drive to be more efficient is overrunning the need for affordability, performance and durability.(Wade, M. 2012)
Educational
When purchasing a washing machine, buyers will often compare prices, water usage, ease of repair, warranty length, and options for performance. When they get it home is when the challenge begins. Each machine comes with specific instructions on how to get the best performance out of that machine, depending on what the goal of the person doing the laundry is. Often the charts included are confusing beyond the basic instructions of how to turn on the machine and press wash.
In this Video, provided by Sears, you get instructions on how to use a top load washing machine.
In this video, Sears provides instructions for front loading machines.
The education industry would be effected more by no use of a washing machine, simply because student would be wearing dirty clothes all the time, or having to take more time to hand wash their laundry, which would cut down on studying time.
