This competency-based preservice home economics teacher education module on characteristics of economically depressed area families is the first in a set of three modules on human development in economically depressed areas (EDA). (This set is part of a larger set of sixty-seven modules on the Management Approach to Teaching Consumer and Homemaking Education [MATCHE]--see CE 019 901-967.) Following a module objective and overview, two units of instruction are presented: (1) family and individual patterns (with lessons on family background, attitudes and patterns toward the education system, and family structure and role differentiations) and (2) factors influencing EDA families (with lessons on physical environment and psychological effects, and the verbal environment). Each unit includes an objective and overview. Lessons contain narrative summaries, suggested activities and resources (readings). A module pre/posttest (with answer key) concludes the document. (Workshop proceedings relating to the development of these modules are available in the ERIC system as CE 019 896-899; also available is a module on utilizing FHA-HERO as an instructional strategy to expand and strengthen the home economics instructional programs [CE 019 900].) (CT)