Family and Consumer Sciences - Then and Now

What is Family and Consumer Sciences - formerly known as Home Economics? Is it just cupcakes? For FCS'ers, them's fighting words. The American Home Economics Association, founded in 1909 by Ellen H. Richards (1842-1911), was created after a series of conferences held in Lake Placid. Home Economists struggled to define themselves and their purpose in a changing world (like we, as teacher-leaders, are struggling to define who we are and what we want to do as teachers). The original focus emphasized cultural, ethical and social ideals as well as the scientific management of a household. Home Economists were research leaders in human nutrition, child development, fiber science, design and consumer economics. They helped rural communities grow, preserve and prepare food in an efficient and sanitary manner. Home Economists worked in schools, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, extension services and for the government. Public schools offered vocational home economics education for girls. Many girls dropped out of school after completing 8th grade; this program gave career opportunities and a reason to stay in school.

Home Economics changed with the times in the 1950's and 1960's as America became more of a consumer culture rather than a producing culture. Career opportunities grew. More women were working outside the home and more men were becoming increasingly involved in home management and child care activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, prohibiting sex discrimination in education, opened home economics classes to males, who signed up mainly for foods and interpersonal relationships courses.

In 1994, the field became known as Family and Consumer Sciences to reflect modern needs. Family and Consumer Sciences' nine goals are:
1. Strengthen the well-being of individuals and families across the life span.
2. Become responsible citizens and leaders for family, community, and work settings.
3. Promote optimal nutrition and wellness across the life span.
4. Manage resources to meet the material needs of individuals and families.
5. Balance personal, home, family and work lives.
6. Use critical and creative thinking skills to address problems in diverse family, community, and work environments.
7. Foster successful life management, employment, and career development.
8. Function as providers and consumers of goods and services for families.
9. Appreciate human worth and accept responsibility of one's actions and success in family and work life.

Through hard work and struggle, Family and Consumer Sciences are represented in strand 9.1 and 9.2 in the NJ Core Content Curriculum Standards.

What does the Family and Consumer Sciences of the future look like? There seems to be an emphasis on preparing students for careers in food service instead of preparing students to be proficient in food preparation for (mostly) home/personal use. Reality TV interior- and fashion-design shows are increasing student interest in these areas. Family and Consumer Sciences changes with the times to stay relevant and emphasizes interdisciplinary skills. It is disheartening that no state college or university in NJ certifies Family and Consumer Science teachers. Montclair State University dropped the program several years ago.

FCS educators think what we offer is important and adds value, compassion and practical skills to students' school experience and beyond. We can't seem to get beyond the struggle - for understanding of what we do, to stay relevant and timely in our course offerings, to train new, knowledgeable, enthusiastic teachers to continue our tradition - all this AND make a mouth- watering, have-to-sit-down-it's-so-good, don't-talk-to-me-now cupcake.

References:
American Vocational Association. 1994. Home Economics Vision and Mission Statement. Alexandria, VA: American Vocational Association.

Brown, Marjorie M. 1980. What Is Home Economics Education? Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, Minnesota Research and Development Center for Vocational Education.