This article explores the history of the home economics/family and consumer sciences (HE/FCS) profession, a field that arose from the synergy created by the 20th-century Industrial Revolution (late 1800s and early 1900s). The profession was intended to strengthen and protect the home and family from the vagaries of scientific and technological…

Riddell's (2020) article, "The Power of Rhetoric," inspired this position paper. She used the neologism "rhetorical literacy" describing it as "one of the most powerful tools [we] can wield" to navigate today's complexity. This article discusses why family and consumer sciences (FCS) practitioners (a.k.a., home…

Many pioneers in family and consumer sciences (FCS) are not recognized for what they accomplished. How evident this became as the author learned of a home economist who preceded many members and did so much for her state and its people during much of the 1900s. The author read an article from "New Mexico Magazine" which features three…

It was predicted that the 21st century would be an era of family stress and transformation (McCubbin, McCubbin, Thompson, Han, & Allen, 1997). When evaluating what families face today and what FCS professionals are addressing in current research, curriculum, and programming, it seems that this is indeed the case. Today's FCS professionals need to…

Lifelong learning is what happens after the formal schooling process is completed. Most of the individuals pursuing lifelong learning courses are older and are holding various jobs. Distance education offers flexibility and convenience for these individuals. On the other hand, innovation to create access to learning has always been the hallmark of…

Family and consumer scientists can assist people with effective resource management during stages of divorce. Different resource issues arise at different stages: when contemplating transition to single life, during the legal process of divorce, and in the post-divorce adjustment. (SK)

Ethics are often taught in higher education. but research shows that family environment and early childhood are most influential in developing ethical behavior. The importance of ethics to work and family life suggests that ethical training should not be limited to vocational/business courses and it should start early. (SK)

Family/consumer science professionals can support fatherhood by advocating for parenting classes as a graduation requirement and part of divorce proceedings and for marital education before marriage licenses are issued. They can promote family-friendly workplaces and distribute information about the impact of fathers on children's health and…

Rehabilitation teaching involves instructing blind/visually impaired persons in homemaking and daily living skills, an area likely to increase as an aging population develops vision problems. Academic requirements for certification have some overlap with home economics, making it a potential career option for home economics graduates. (SK)

Computer-assisted design (CAD) technology is transforming the apparel industry. Students of fashion merchandising and clothing design must be prepared on state-of-the-art equipment. ApparelCAD software is one example of courseware for instruction in pattern design and production. (SK)

Gives an overview of the development of home economics in higher education and describes one university's revision of its core curriculum. Proposed new concepts in the core are community, communication, and commerce. (SK)

Gang violence, thefts, and costs are among the reasons schools are adopting dress codes or uniforms. Evidence of their effect on behavior is largely anecdotal; empirical research is needed. Home economics professionals can work with parents to set dress policies, get student input, incorporate the teaching of values about clothing, build student…

No one learns in isolation; learning must be tied to real life experiences that are relevant to the student. "Integrated curriculum, interdisciplinary" and "multidisciplinary curriculum, teaming, standards" and "accountability" are terms with which every educator is familiar. "No Child Left Behind" is the…

It is imperative that school administrators continue to develop and maintain strong family and consumer science (FCS) programs in their secondary schools across the nation. Today's youth and their families need the knowledge, experiences, and skills gained in these family-focused programs. FCS teachers provide necessary interpersonal,…

The ebb and flow of public support for family and consumer sciences (FCS) is a natural process that occurs with all content areas. It is important to understand and know where support exists at the federal, state, and local levels. Today's reality is that resources are focused on reading, mathematics, and science. With the potential consequences…