History of Home Economics

Question 1

Elaborate on the mission of home economics / human ecology:

Answer 1

-the study of the laws, conditions, principles, and ideals which are concerned on the one hand with man’s immediate physical environment and on the other with his nature as a social being, and is the study specially of the relation between these two factors

Question 2

Interpret some significant events over the past 200 years:

Answer 2

• early home economists advocated for government inspections and pure food legislation, food hygiene
• Industrial revolution: Child labour, pollution, migration to cities, ↑ divorce
• Trade unions: End child labour, improve working conditions
• Social reform: Abolition of slavery after the American Civil War (1861-65)
• Role changes for women: Electoral and educational reform
• Application of science to solve problems: Hygiene, preventive medicine, nutrition
• WW1: Home Economists taught the nation the rules of substitution

Question 3

Describe some of the founders of home economics:

Answer 3

• Ellen Swallow Richards: Considered founder of Home Economics, first woman to study & join faculty at MIT, Set up the “Rumford Kitchen”
• Martha Van Rensselaer: Founder College of Home Economics at Cornell University, Wanted to educate farm women
• Wilber O. Atwater: Best known for studies of food & nutrition, worked extensively with early home economists

Question 4

Describe the potential benefits of increasing food literacy:

Answer 4

• Increase food security
• Improve health
• Enhance relationships with food
• Enhance relationships with family
• Increase individuals’ self-efficacy through experiential learning