Abstract

Reproduction work and machines: some considerations in times of Pandemia The reflections on the relationship that links human bodies, technologies and cyber-spaces often focus on the processes of “disembodiment”, while the reproductive work cannot be separated from the materiality of the needs of the care-dependent individuals. The changes in this type of work particularly affect its commodification, transforming social relations and traditional gender relations. The changes in the reproductive work related to technology seem positive and linked to modernization and progress. But although they do diminish the physical fatigue, they are strongly dependent on the market and as a result, they produce loneliness and dispossession of skills. The staging of the reproductive work has also ambiguous aspects: on one hand it may seems like a saving path, due to its capacity to solve some problems related to the overcoming the fatigue and it can also reorganize and simplify the daily life, which is very important. But, on the other hand, in its more crude applications, the reproductive work can become a devious instrument of control and of isolation. It is certainly not a matter of technological pervasiveness, rathera case of scarce attention and scarce scheduling. In this scenario, it is legitimate to wonder if there might be a limit to the “machinisation” of the reproductive work. what can be related to the “work of affection”, to the empathy, to the care of the dependent or sick bodies is certainly alien to it. It is interesting to deal with this topic by quoting some cases of dystopian or utopian literature that has dealt with the “mechanization” of the daily life, investigating the consequences of the introduction of the machines and the computerization in the life of all of us with regard to the social reproduction and the changes in relationships.