Transparent Cradle: How Monitoring Children Reshapes Chinese Family Bonds

As caregiving resources within households become increasingly scarce—and as technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) rapidly advance—child monitoring devices have become a prominent feature of smart home systems. These devices now play a central role not only in ensuring safety, but also in shaping diverse parenting strategies and everyday domestic routines.

This lecture employs sociological methods to investigate the use of these technologies in urban Chinese families. It explores how child safety devices mediate caregiving practices, restructure emotional ties, and redefine household dynamics. Particular attention is given to issues surrounding privacy, spatial boundaries, and evolving parenting norms.

Ultimately, the talk outlines how new technologies are reshaping interpersonal and kinship relations—and examines the potential risks and challenges these shifts pose for children’s development. It also offers broader insights into how families are adapting to the demands of an increasingly digitalized world.

Dr. Yang Yang is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beihang University. Her research interests and published works focus on Children and Digital Media, Media Sociology and Digital Culture Industry.

The MCI is a listed building and therefore does not have any lifts. Please note that you must use the stairs in order to access the venue and the toilets.

The organisers will be taking photos during this event. If you prefer not to be included in any photos, kindly inform the organisers before the event starts.

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Manchester.