The WHY of Family Consumer Sciences
- Melanie Paiz
- May 1, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: May 6, 2020
It takes one person, to create a movement, and a group to promote it.
The History of Family and Consumer Sciences
During the 19th century, women were marginalized when it came to education and career options. Some born into wealthy families acquired higher education, but a vast inequality for educational opportunities existed during that time. in 1842 a woman by the name of Ellen Swallow Richards was born in Massachusetts. Both her parents were educators. Ellen had a sprightly mind, she was curious, always asking questions and reading books. When she grew up, she was accepted into Vassar University, and eventually she became the first woman to be accepted into MIT.
Her initial acceptance, wasn't as a full time student, she was only granted access to classes to learn the material, but not to pursue a degree. She was diligent and focused her studies on Environmental Chemistry and developed her studies through a new science that she referred to as Home Economics.
She saw Home Economics as the doorway to help other women gain an education. By doing so they would become more capable of running their household and provide a healthier lifestyle for their struggling families. She wrote the book The Chemistry for Cooking and Cleaning: A Manual for Housekeepers. In 1873 after much perseverance she was the first woman to receive a Bachelor of Science from MIT, and a Masters degree from Vassar. She even developed the first standard practices for water sanitation.
There were many others that helped in the formation and progress of Home Economics, such as Catherine Beecher, Melville Dewey, Abraham Lincoln. and Mary B Welch. But for Home Economics to survive in schools and Universities the formation of an organization was necessary. The American Home Economics Association was founded in 1899. This organization was later renamed The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Why are Family Consumer Sciences fundamental?
During WWI and WWII, family consumer sciences were vital for the survival of families. Home Economists at the time were considered Nutritionist. So what are some of the other areas of study involved in family consumer science? Money management, Cooking and Nutrition, Sewing- Fashion Design, House Furnishings- Interior Design, Health- care of the sick, Water & Food Sanitation, Hospitality & Entertainment, Consumerism, Child Care & Development, and Etiquette. This is just to name a few of the areas of study included in this field.
As long as humanity exists, Family and Consumer Sciences are essential for our survival. In these days we may not be facing a world war (yet), but the majority of society needs to know how to run a household and raise a family. If these essential practices cease to be taught in public education, our society will only learn how to play on a phone... and how to ignore their family and the needs of those that matter most.
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