This text is proposed as a foundation for occupational home economics. Intended for teachers, state and local supervisors, teacher educators, advisory council members, and vocational administrators, it provides an overview of the nature of home economics education, and explains how society's changing view of paid employment and women's roles affects the home economics and vocational home economics programs. A suggested list of courses for occupational home economics is included. The second half of the text examines the concepts of work and leisure and how these concepts are fundamental to occupational home economics. Included in both sections are activities designed for self-development by the teacher or administrator or to use with students. (KC)