Comments on: Home Economics: Not What They Taught Me in High School

By: joshie

joshie — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:32:38 +0000

At my high school, we teach home ec to both boys and girls. We just do cooking and sewing (2 separate classes with different teachers) and in grades 11 and 12, hospitality as well.

By: Cindy M

Cindy M — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:46:27 +0000

Okay, now I want to see what’s on your significant other’s list! Looks to me like you’re doing it all, ha-ha. Good column.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:15:18 +0000

I studied the woman who created the field “Home Economics” in college. She was a fascinating woman (the first to enter MIT!) concerned with scientific analysis of the environment (not confined to the home environment). The field has truly changed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Swallow_Richards

I get what you are saying in this article, but I think focusing on the word “economics” takes it out of historical context. It’s quite the travesty that this fiercly intellectual woman’s legacy is something that is generally scorned by modern intellectuals.

Also I think many economists would disagree with your definition – many economists don’t like to include the words “wealth” or “money” in their definition.

By: Monroe on a Budget

Monroe on a Budget — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:51:04 +0000

Yes, there are some high schools that still teach home economics / domestic arts.

I insisted my college-bound daughter take at least one such course and she decided to take the beginning sewing class.

The topics you are describing, however, generally fall under the “personal finance” courses and would be typically found in the business or math departments.

By: sandi

sandi — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:19:32 +0000

Absolutely wonderful reading! Thanks for sharing. As old fashioned as it sounds, I wish all families would find a way for 1 person (not necessarily the woman) to be home while the children are being raised. You have just pointed out how it is financially feasable to do so.

By: SnoopyCool

SnoopyCool — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:13:30 +0000

I completely agree. I’m working in an after-school program and I’ve got the “Home Ec” portion of the program (automatically assigned to me because I am a SAHM). You bet I’m teaching them budgeting and other things they aren’t learning in school!