Changes in Family & Consumer Sciences Information gathered by Lucy Campanis Revised by Mikki Meadows EIU School of Family & Consumer Sciences

Home Economics: The Early Years The Home Economics Movement was influenced by…… the need to create more educational opportunities for women, a concern to strengthen support for households and families, and interest in the application of scientific principles to the home environment.

1910’s Societal Conditions –Increasing industrialization –High immigration –Women’s suffrage movement –Increase of women in the labor force –Desire to mechanize the home –World War I

1910’s Professional Emphasis –Education was dominant –Increased need for institution management –Research focused on food selection for health and well-being –Involvement with national organizations and governmental agencies

1920’s Societal Conditions Decade of prosperity for majority population Energy conservation 19 th Amendment Focus on home activities and family

1920’s Professional Emphasis Emergence of child development and parent education as a part of Home Economics Increased application of art and design principles to clothing and home design Thrust to improve the family International expansion of Home Economics programs

1930’s Societal Conditions The Great Depression –growing social concerns Economic recovery –Increased materialistic attitudes Electrification

1930’s Professional Emphasis Family relations important in college programs Programs focused toward business and social arenas Extension education broadened Research broad –nutrient knowledge –housing –colorfastness in textiles –consumer expenditures Nutrition education and school lunch programs

1940’s Societal Conditions WW II and recovery Mass employment of white women Expansion of women in the military Conservation Family interest in material possessions

1940’s Professional Emphasis Career opportunities increased –Dietetics –Clothing-related design Research into “convenience foods” and Recommended Dietary Allowances Future Homemakers of America was created

1950’s Societal Conditions Decade of peace and prosperity for majority culture Korean War Civil unrest Technological and economic growth High employment Reduced focus on work outside of the home for white women

1950’s Professional Emphasis Expanding programs –Limited professional employment sought by many graduates Research –cognitive growth in children –psycho-social aspects of clothing –institution management Involvement in International programs

1960’s Societal Conditions Era of changing social values Concern for disparities of poverty/wealth Civil Rights Movement Growing Women’s Movement –Predominately middle-class white women Viet Nam War Ecological concerns

1960’s Professional Emphasis “Compensatory” programs – Head Start Increase in minority & male involvement in college Home Economics faculties Expanded specialization in college programs Professionals active in Women’s Movement

1970’s Societal Conditions Equal rights and opportunities for all became vogue “Human Movement” rather than “Women’s Movement” Smallness of the world Interdependence of “haves” and “have-nots”

1970’s Professional Emphasis Standards Accreditation of college programs began Increased number of males in secondary programs Interdisciplinary efforts in education and research Research sophistication increased –emphasis on improving the life of individuals and families in a complex and changing society

1980’s Societal Conditions Increased emphasis on technology Globalization Social reform Changes in employment Increase in drug use Focus on issues of violence Family and work issues

1980’s Professional Emphasis Professional certification began Reconceptualization of the discipline Increased activity in public policy Emphasis on family and work issues

1990’s Societal Conditions Increase in technology –personal life & workplace Use of the Internet Workplace diversity Health concerns –HIV/AIDS Decrease in commitment to the environment Political activity

1990’s Professional Emphasis Name change to Family and Consumer Sciences Family issues Recruitment to meet increasing teacher shortage

Ellen H. Richards Chemist specializing in sanitation at MIT Leader of the Lake Placid Conference Founder of Home Economics First President of the American Home Economics Association