Home economics, now known as Human Ecology, is the science of essential life skills that include the areas of food and nutrition, child development and family studies, and clothing and textiles. It studies the health and well-being of individuals and families and focuses on how everyday environments can be improved.
Home Economics has come a long way.
Traditionally, girls and women stayed at home to cook healthy meals and care for the health and well-being of their families. Girls received in depth training in home economics classes to gain an understanding of the skills they would need to do this well. Times have changed. Enrolment in Home Economics courses at the high school level has diminished over recent decades. There is a resultant decrease in consumer knowledge and food and nutrition skills among young people. Serious public health concerns including obesity and other nutrition-related chronic diseases like diabetes has increased.
