The Secret History of Home Economics

The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live by Danielle Dreilinger

Home economics has had an interesting history. It has been a mixture of progressive and conservative philosophies, primarily in the immediate post-World War II era.  There were desire to provide both outside employment and work in the home. Home economics also tied into various other parts of culture. There were separate black and white home economists. Black colleges ended up with very good instruction because professors were limited from participation at other colleges. Women that were able to enter all male colleges often ended up associated with the field. School lunch became connected (and connected to racism.) Home Economics gradually came out of favor as being too "traditional." There have been attempts to rebrand and give it a more progressive bent. However, those have backfired. Even as this has faded, "maker" and other creative "home" exercises. Maybe it is best to bring back home-ec? This book is clearly written for contemporary readers, trying to but a modern spin on home-ec and encouraging a modern resurgance.