Research Summary: Regulation, Power, and the Compliance 1 Paradox: A Longitudinal Study of Smart Homes

A longitudinal study, building on previous research, is being conducted on smart home technology adoption in Jordan. This research aims to understand the implications of smart homes for power dynamics, privacy, and inequality within domestic environments, specifically examining how cultural norms, regulatory frameworks, and daily technological practices influence these factors.

Why it matters

This research is strategically important as it sheds light on the socio-technical implications of smart home adoption, particularly regarding power, privacy, and inequality. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective regulatory frameworks and policies that address the challenges and opportunities presented by ubiquitous technology in domestic settings.

Key insights

• Smart home technologies are increasingly integrated into domestic environments.
• The implications of smart home technologies for power, privacy, and inequality are not yet fully understood, particularly in non-Western contexts.
• Cultural norms, regulatory frameworks, and everyday technological practices are key factors shaping domestic power dynamics in relation to smart homes.
• The study employs a two-phase grounded theory approach, including secondary analysis of existing interviews and new interviews conducted in 2025.
• Participants in the study include household members, domestic workers, policymakers, and civil society advocates.

Source

arXiv — Computers and Society — https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.13582