Op-Ed: Home Economics

Calling For the Revival of Home Economics in Public Schools

By Esther Kim

  With the current epidemic of budget cuts in public schools throughout the nation, you might be confused as to why I call for the revitalization of home economics. Merriam-Webster defines home economics as the theory and practice of homemaking. Why at school, a sphere thought to be separate from the private home, should children be taught the tools and fundamentals of homemaking? The answer is simple and clearly logical. A child’s experience of school is directly correlated to his/her home. Both entities are connected in an ever-revolving cycle. 

According to Cornell University, home economics began in 1899 when the philosophy of science and management emerged with the desire to improve the quality of modern American homes. Historically, the separation between the public and private spheres of work and home began in the late 18^th century as men left homes in search of industrial careers. Women remained in the private sphere with the responsibility to preserve and upkeep the homes. With the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, the dichotomy between these two spheres increased along with the disparity in gender roles. Men and boys were either off to work or school while women and girls were permanently stationed in the privacy of their homes. Surprisingly, education was not only found in schools, but in homes as well. Women taught their daughters how to successfully manage a household. This kind of education emphasized the value and practicality of multi-tasking and taught the art of compartmentalizing various tasks.

You may argue that we are not living in the 19^th century. I acknowledge that. However, today in the 21^st century where almost every American child is given the opportunity of an education, not every child comes from a safe and stable home. Countless studies emphasize that children from broken and unsafe homes and families perform at a much lower rate than compared to those students who come from stable families and homes (areas include health, education, peer pressure, etc.). Schools should be a safe haven used to educate students not only on the importance of reading, writing, and critical thinking, but also inspire and encourage children to have beautiful homes. The physical nature of a home is a mirror image of the dynamics of a family. If a family is happy, the home will reflect that. 

In public schools, we have the athletics and the arts departments that allow students to excel in non-academic areas as well as exercise various parts of their brain. Why not let the students who enjoy cooking become the superstars of their schools? Growing up, I was never extremely talented in school, sports, or the arts. I was always above average and slightly below exceptional. What I lacked in pedigree was made up at my home. I would constantly research recipes and make dinners for my family. I gained my self-worth and confidence from my family and my home. Why not give the chance for young students to become the future Martha Stewart (minus her mini incarceration) and Rachel Ray of America? 

Researchers at Harvard University report that the rate of obesity in American will multiply until at least 42 percent of adults are obese. Let us combat the increasing rates in child/adult obesity, teen pregnancy, and marital divorce with the reintegration of home economics in public schools. Home economics will not only teach students but also raise awareness in areas like HIV/AIDS, nutrition, hygiene, child development, and family relationships. Children who come from broken homes will also benefit from these lessons that are vital to life. 

 I guarantee that the revitalization of home economics will be instrumental in youth development and education. Students will have the opportunities to excel in areas (not traditionally thought to be scholastic) which will aid in issues of adolescence like self-esteem, peer pressure, etc. Parents will also indubitably see the changes and benefit from the improvements in their child, family, and home. 

After all the best way to end the day is with a slice of homemade pie. I like mine with a scoop of ice cream please.