Family and Consumer Sciences

Carol R. Werhan

Family and consumer sciences programs can be documented in secondary schools since the mid-1800s as a content area where science is applied to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Although specific elements of the content have changed based on scientific research, the general content areas have remained consistent and are included in the 2008 Family and Consumer Sciences National Standards. The content areas include: food and nutrition; human development; family relations; consumer economics; and clothing, textiles, and interiors. Occupational programs have also been developed around these content areas. Initially known as domestic economy, the name of the profession officially changed to home economics in the 1899 and then to family and consumer sciences (FCS) in 1993. Although FCS as a profession consists of many specialists working in various occupations, the specialty area of FCS secondary education teachers has been the largest group within the profession. The ...

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