Who do you picture as the founder of home economics? Does an image of Martha Stewart come to mind? Maybe a strict lady from the 50s teaching girls how to be housewives? Despite the stereotypical reputation the class holds, it was actually founded by female chemist Ellen Swallow Richards.
According to Marketplace, she was the first ever woman to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Richards was the first woman to measure the economic value of housework and the amount of physical effort it truly takes. While traditional subjects like math, science and history are essential, Redwood should consider adding home economics as a required class. This subject addresses essential life skills that are often overlooked, providing students with knowledge for everyday living. With a lack of necessity-based education in high school establishments, a home economics course could be the gateway for setting students up for independent futures.
Despite common misconceptions, home economics teaches valuable life skills for both men and women that extend far beyond just cooking; it equips students with practical knowledge in taking care of one’s own nutrition, budgeting and personal development, which are all essential tools for independence. Teaching a class that emphasizes lessons regarding independence is a crucial way to prepare students for their futures in college and beyond.
First and foremost, home economics provides students with essential cooking skills. In an age where fast food is easily accessible, many young people struggle with skills to prepare healthy meals. According to Nation Public Radio (NPR), about 35 percent of adolescents are overweight or obese, a prevalence that approaches 50 percent in minority populations. A home economics class would teach students how to cook balanced meals, understand nutrition and make informed choices about their diets. These skills are crucial not only for personal health but also for fostering independence as students transition into adulthood.
Moreover, home economics encompasses important financial literacy lessons. Students can learn how to create budgets, manage their expenses and understand the basics of saving and investing. According to Mckinsey and Company, student loan debt has increased by 14 percent from 2006 to 2016. With financial instability affecting many young adults today, these skills are more important than ever. By learning how to manage their finances effectively, students will be better prepared to navigate their future, whether it’s paying for college or managing their own households utilizing their skills to track income and expenses.
Additionally, home economics promotes essential life skills such as time management and organization. Balancing cooking, cleaning and budgeting requires careful planning and prioritization. In Copper Island, Finland, during their home economics class students engage in harvesting the hydroponics system, a process where plants are grown without soil, to raise vegetables for their lunch salad bar. In order to harvest with a system like hydroponics, students must organize plants by the right species, feed the liquid solution and manage the time needed for each plant species to grow. These skills are valuable in both personal and professional settings as they provide early steps of independence and accountability in managing a project on one’s own. Learning to manage time effectively can help students excel in their studies and extracurricular activities, preparing them for the demands of college and beyond.
Fostering creativity and critical thinking, home economics students have the opportunity to explore various projects from sewing to home design. This allows them to utilize their expressiveness while also solving problems. For example, when students learn to sew, they encounter practical challenges like adjusting patterns to fit their measurements or selecting the right fabric for their project. These tasks require them to think critically about problem-solving and to express their innovation through design choices. By tackling such challenges, students not only develop technical skills but also learn to approach problems with innovative solutions.
In essence, adding a home economics class to our school’s curriculum would provide students with a wealth of practical skills beyond the stereotypical reputation of just housework. By teaching students how to manage their health, finances and time, we are preparing them for real-world challenges and helping them develop into responsible, independent adults. Home economics is not just a class; it’s an investment in students’ futures.
