In a September issue of Newsweek as part of Michael Douglas’ article called, “The Role of a Lifetime,” he says, “There is so much to learn in raising a family. Where are you going to find out how to do it, especially if you didn’t benefit from proper role models? When I went to college at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in the 1960s, you could graduate with a degree in home economics. It was eventually disbanded largely due to politics and the power of the women’s movement. I’m happy to see that “home ec” is currently being revived at some colleges.”
So Michael called it a revival of our field at institutions of higher education. We’ve given it a name, “Transforming AAFCS: New Era of Action.” And at the secondary level, there’s renewed energy with our association’s development of family and consumer sciences pre-professional competency assessments and industry-recognized credentials.
Call it what you will … but now more than ever, people are seeing the value of acquiring skills that will give them a higher quality of life! Whether it’s choosing the role of good father, reducing credit card debt, making nutritious and lifestyle choices to prevent diabetes or developing sustainable practices in heating/cooling one’s home, the work of family and consumer sciences professionals is relevant in our 21st century world.
I, for one, take a lot of enjoyment out of “riding the wave.” How does it feel, to you?
Douglas, M. (2007, September 17). The Role of a Lifetime. Newsweek. Retrieved February, 20, 2008 from: http://www.newsweek.com/id/40725
1 response so far ↓
Jody // July 21, 2008 at 12:06 am |
I’m loving riding the wave as well! I came across this blog as part of research for a class. I must say how excited I am that others are recognizing the value of what we teach in family & consumer science. Now more than ever I want to empower my students to think about their choices in all aspects of family life.