Join the 21st Century Home Economics Movement

Contact your local school board & request Home Economics be part of the graduation requirements. #socialchange #SaveHomeEc #notelective

— Jay Deagon PhD (@HomeEcConnect) November 2, 2013

I listened. I cringed. I celebrated. I am talking about a recent radio interview on Radio Boston called “Home Ec For All” with Ruth Graham, author of Bring back home ec! The case for a revival of the most retro class in school.

In her interview, Ruth was articulate and intelligent about the history of home economics. She did an excellent job representing home economics and had done her homework. I also applaud Alice Lichtenstein’s essential work in the original article “Bring Back Home Economics” written in 2010. But, it would have been nice to hear from a Home Economist. I did love that the husband of a retired home economics teacher phoned in to bat on her behalf.

An interesting point was raised about processed foods being introduced into home economics classes in the 1950s and 60s. The theory and level of technical skill required to make bread and white sauce is still essential knowledge. Making bread and sauces are “the basics”. With this knowledge you can expand your repertoire and make lots of other things! I’m sure that Escoffier would have agreed with me. Assembling pre-packaged foods is not what home economics is about.

Contemporary home economics allows students to re-connect with the food system. In addition to lifestyle diseases, food security is also a serious issue. Home economics can provide students with opportunities to learn self-awareness; responsible consumer actions; basic life skills; service to others; and environmental sustainability. When home economics is given the opportunity to do what it is intended to do, this learning takes place. The role of home economics education as an agent for social change is a very important conversation to be having right now. However, we need an increase in public awareness about the plight of many home economics departments around the world. Closures and cut-backs are not acceptable.

In light of the above, what follows is my commentary on some current issues surrounding home economics. This commentary is my personal opinion and is informed by 4 years studying public conversations about home economics on the Internet, and forms a small aspect of my doctoral study.

Home Economics “Movement” in the 21st Century

What is a “movement”? My unofficial definition is a movement is called a movement because people take action. Let me give you an example of a “movement”. Amongst other things, the Romantic Movement (circa. 1770-1850) was thought to be a reaction to industrialisation. People lived and worked in horrendous conditions for the benefit of the ruling classes. Romanticism is also associated with The French Revolution (circa. 1789–1799). “The People” of France broke away from the ruling classes in a bloodied battle – and won democracy. That revolution was an act of desperation and reaction to oppression and hunger. Do not underestimate what people will do when they are hungry and angry. “The People” were not only fighting for equal distribution of food, resources and services but also art, science, intellectualism, individualism, and freedom. “The People” and their everyday stories became the heroes. Is this story looking familiar?

I am not suggesting a bloody revolution… just a revolution. Thankfully, ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’.

For those who didn’t know, home economics is not “dead”. In fact, in some countries home economics is alive and well. However, in some other countries, home economics does need a renaissance. “Home Economics” is a recognised household brand – but “The People” seem to have forgotten what home economics has done over the years to improve their everyday lives.

From its beginnings over a century ago, home economics has been successful in many campaigns to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. So much so, that home economics knowledge is embedded into many people’s daily lives, practices and industries. For example, hand washing, food preparation, kitchen designs, child care facilities, fashion and textile trades, workers rights, increased places for women in universities, and the United Nations “Year of the Family” which in 2014 celebrates its 20^th anniversary. Yep… all influenced by home economists. Did you know that home economists work in some top level jobs? For example, Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of World Heath Organisation, started her career as a home economics teacher.

To support the efforts of professional home economists, what is done at grassroots levels also makes an impact. The outcomes of an organised joint effort are policy changes, increased funding and resources. From recent media activity and comments, “The People” are remembering home economics and want to create opportunities for students, teachers, universities, schools, families, communities and societies to re-learn basic skills and elevate the status of home economics.

How can this be achieved?

Write letters, post blogs, make phone calls, ensure you have the correct information and keep it positive. The International Federation for Home Economics Position Statement: Home Economics in the 21^st Century document very clearly states that home economics is alive and kicking, and also outlines the purpose and functions of home economics. I encourage journalists, bloggers, nutritionists, historians, parents, teachers and principals to read and refer to the IFHE Position Statement.  In particular, bloggers and journalists, I respectfully request three things: 1) refer to the IFHE Position Statement in your articles; 2) use photographs of home economics from the 21^st Century; and 3) source your information from a Home Economist, an IFHE representative or your local home economics association. For me, one point of concern raised in Ruth Graham’s article was reluctance for home economics teachers to speak “on the record”. I was taken aback by this comment. Have you not seen the stuff posted by home economics teachers on Twitter? Amazing, innovative and very noisy! There are many home economists willing to speak about the positive impacts of home economics. Like these Home Economists did:

Shop, cooking classes help keep students engaged by Mary Ann Urban, a former home economics teacher from Boston.

Open Letter Regarding Faculty of Human Ecology by Christie Crow, Graduate 2009, Faculty of Human Ecology and
Education, University of Manitoba

One HomeEcConnect Facebooker also noted:

Many [home economics] courses are based in the “life literacy” skills needed in today’s world which include most if not all of the skills mentioned in these comments – nutrition ed and wellness (includes food prep), consumerism and resource management (which is more than just personal finance), child development (to help with parenting), healthy relationships and balancing work and family responsibilities. Unfortunately, many of these courses are considered elective, and placed behind the college prep, college credit and academic courses even though most have high enrolments and student interest. If you want to make this change to their education happen, call your local school board and request FCS [home economics] courses be part of your schools graduation requirements.

Is anyone listening?

Yes – apparently they are. Admits these repeated calls to “bring back home economics”, Northern Ireland’s Department of Education has done a good thing (she says understatedly). In a recent media release from Stormont Executive, Department of Education, it was reported that Education Minister, John O’Dowd, had officially opened £900,000 worth of new facilities at Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle and wait for it…. funding included £499,906.86 towards new home economics facilities. Reported by the Belfast Telegraph on Friday, 18 October 2013, it was noted that Northern Ireland’s Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances.

Will other governments follow the example set by Northern Ireland? Funding is vital for the revitalisation of home economics departments. As indicated above, over the last few months, I have seen an increase in news coverage about home economics. This is encouraging but we need to keep the conversation alive.

The key message: family and community involvement

I love the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child”. Despite the tendency toward urbanisation, closed in and fenced off housing, home economics departments can offer children one of the rare opportunities to nurture a sense of community spirit and learn vital life skills. We need to keep the pressure on school principals, P&Cs, university faculties, and governments to provide funding and resources to make this happen. Positive outcomes come from ensuring that local students and families are involved in decisions about what home economics skills are tailored to local community needs. By reaching out into the local community, students and families will feel empowered to stand up and fight to keep their home economics community alive and thriving.

Join the 21st Century Home Economics Movement

Ensure everyone’s voice is heard – your, theirs, the students, and the local community. Home economics departments must reach out into their communities or closures will continue to go unnoticed. We don’t just ‘teach’ about the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities – we involve them! Consult families and communities, and update the local curriculum accordingly. Everyone has a role in Earth’s future and home economics is an exceptional curriculum tool to promote active involvement. I encourage all home economists, students and parents to get involved in the 21^st Century Home Economics Movement and enjoy the feeling of solidarity and connectedness along the way. Know that what you do makes a positive difference. Let the home economics revolution begin.

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James McIntosh: Home economics takes you places

James McIntosh, Home Economist, Entrepreneur and World Traveller

Interview with James McIntosh via email
Written by Jay Deagon

 

To be a home economist means different things in different parts of the world. It is a multidisciplinary subject with practitioners employed across a wide variety of fields such as teaching, textiles and fashion industries, family development and relationship advisors, government consultants, health and well-being advocates, scientists and researchers.  A degree in home economics can take you places… as James McIntosh can attest.

James McIntosh is a world award-winning cookery writer, home economist and food demonstrator.  He is flamboyant, talented and very busy.  I asked James to describe what an Industry Home Economists does:

I’m the link between the consumer and industry.  It’s my job to look at the needs and wants of the family as a consumer buying unit.

James works mainly with food and kitchen appliances. Many factors affect a family’s decision to purchase kitchen produce and products.  For example, cost, availability and sustainability of the product.  James’ task is to take his home economics knowledge of families into consideration when as he works with domestic appliance manufacturers to develop a product such as a new oven, stove or frying pan.

For most clients I am employed by the marketing department.  My jobs may include writing, blogging, social networking, cookery demonstrations, recipe development, food styling or product evaluation.  Basically, I make the manufacturer’s product ‘the star’.  I assist with matching the manufacturer’s wants with the needs of the family.  I give the everyday family a voice at design, production and post-production levels.  So that the family will have a product that enhances their life at home and the manufacturer has a product that will sell.

http://www.whiskapp.com

 

James is the CEO of Whisk Media (www.whisk.biz) and offers many services for clients.  He believes that the many forms of media and technology available to us today, such as TV, mobile phone technology and the internet, have a significant role to play in educating and reaching out to consumers.  He thinks and operates on global levels by fully utilising these technologies.

I also have my own brand of products under my own name, www.jamesmcintosh.co.uk, where I write cookery books (some of which won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award in 2008 for Best Series of Food Books in the World), I also have an iPhone App out www.whiskapp.com and presented a 20 part TV series in China about food on the Silk Road.

 

Chef Wan of Malaysia, Margaret McIntosh (James' Mum) and James at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 1 July 2009

 

To survive, all people must learn how to feed and cloth themself.  This is a learnt skill and not an instinct.  “The family” has remained a constant feature through all of human history.  However, the needs of the family have changed considerably across the years. The way that knowledge is passed down to the younger generations has changed as technology, resource availability, distance and time pressures changed.  Most industries also evolve as the needs of society change.  In westernised societies (such as the UK and Australia) home economics education mainly involves teaching kids cooking and sewing techniques.  I asked James what he believes the main differences are between “old school” (cooking and sewing) home economics and how this compares to the home economics of today.

My mum is a Home Economics teacher, and she has told me many stories about the cooking and sewing days.  What we need to remember is that this can be viewed as ‘old home economics’, but it’s very important as it teaches life skills.  Times have changed, for example we no longer need to be able to darn our socks when they have a hole in them, but we do need to be able to sew on a button.  In terms of cooking its important not to learn a recipe as a nursery rhyme, but to understand the techniques and flavours and how they combine and see these as a building block to make and produce other things.  A good example being learning to rub fat into flour. From this we can make scones, bread, pasta, some cakes, pastry….

So what kinds of things does James think teachers should cover in home economics class?

I think teachers should make home economics fun – life is fun (if we want it to be) and home economics has many great career opportunities.  I’ve seen the world with home economics.  There are opportunities for all, a teacher should encourage students to look at options and find what’s best for them.  Remember home economics is not one subject, its requires the input of many.

James is from the UK but has worked around the world taking home economics to some exotic locations.  As an active member of the Young Professionals Network and member of the International Federation for Home Economics, he is a very active voice for home economics.  He regularly attends industry conferences to keep his knowledge and networks up-to-date and vibrant.  With his extensive international experience, I asked James about how he has seen home economics practiced differently in other countries.

Indeed I have seen the world!  Growing up on a small farm in Northern Ireland I moved to study Home Economics at university in Scotland.  Then I moved to London after and have been here ever since!  I’ve seen most of Europe, Australia, China, Hong Kong, most of the USA and Canada, Jamaica, Japan, North Africa and travelled right across Russia.  Not bad when I’m only 32!  

Each culture has different ways and traditions. However the needs of the family are the same.  Speak to a Japanese Home Economist and their families are exactly the same as ours in the UK.  Same teenage problems, same factors affecting age but their culture differs in that respect.  In the UK home economics has a strong practical cookery ethos in Greece not so much, as the Greek family culture passes down cooking techniques from Grandmother to Mother to Daughter (and hopefully son too!).  Home Economics can’t be the same in each country like Mathematics can.  It has to adapt, bend and breathe for the consumer.  Home Economics is the study and knowledge of families and consumers.

Consumerism, food security and excessive use of resources are a global concern.  These are his thoughts about sustainability and responsible consumerism as aspects of home economics and his work.

Two main points in my work are; reduce food waste and tackle obesity for my food clients and reduce energy in cooking for my appliance clients. Chefs always talk about gas as a great way to cook, but the facts are that a gas hob looses 50% of the energy created when cooking and water is the by-product of using gas.  I’m doing a lot of work on Induction cooking now as that is 98% efficient.   Recipe development for clients is not just about creating nice recipes, it’s about using a product a client manufacturers to make it the best it can be, to encourage consumers to buy and to reduce waste.

His vision for home economics?

My vision for home economics is simple.  Educate through creative means and media. We, as home economists, have the knowledge and experience of consumers, let us put that to use to empower consumers at grassroots level to make good choices in terms of their homes, families, nutrition, purchases, lifestyle, travel, clothing and well-being. 

James is probably one of the world’s highest profile and recognised home economists… and a male… so how important is home economics for young men.  What benefits are there for male students to study home economics?

*smiles with embarrassment* (but it’s probably true).  I’ve worked hard and very long hours to get where I am.  I’ve always talked to people to get to know them, ones network is very important!  What I would say is, home economics is a subject where you have to use so much creativity, and back that up with academic and technical findings.  Like accountancy there is probably more than one correct answer to a problem.  Home economics is the same, there are usually a number of solutions.  The difference is that you have to be particularly discerning about what is correct for the family because the stakes are higher and decisions will have a significant impact on the quality of life.  As a male its been challenging!!  But just look at the opportunities I’ve had, other people have paid for me to see the world with work.  I think that says enough really!

So James, any final words…

The most important part of home economics is that regardless of what, how or where home economics is practiced, the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities remains in focus and at the top of our agenda.

James McIntosh is living the life.  Home economics is fun, very relevant in the modern world and can Whisk you off to all sorts of interesting places!  We look forward to hearing and seeing more from James in the future.

HomeEcConnect is interested in stories about Home Economists doing exceptional and exciting things around the world.  If you have a story, know someone, are someone or would like someone who inspires you interviewed – please contact us!

 

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