If you were a female high school graduate before the turn of the century, chances are you had the opportunity to enroll in a home economics or home study class. These courses provided invaluable insights into basic domestic skills that proved beneficial throughout life. But it is time to address a problem that has long persisted in the education system: the gender bias that has excluded boys from participating in home economics classes.
While the traditional gender roles associated with homemaking have evolved considerably, with both men and women sharing the responsibility of managing households and raising families, the availability of home economics courses has unfortunately decreased in many schools. This trend has left male and female students with the opportunity to gain essential life skills that go beyond traditional academic subjects such as math and history.
Many individuals want home economics back in the classroom so that students can continue to learn things that math and history just won’t teach them.
This is especially true in today’s hectic environment where many parents work long hours and many high school students come home from school to an empty house. They are expected to prepare their own meals and carry out daily chores including laundry and cleaning.
But how many of them receive this instruction in school?
The ability of home economics to help children become more autonomous is undeniable. According to a recent survey of 3.1 million US high school graduates in 2020, 62.7% were enrolled in college.
Many children who move from their homes to boarding schools have to learn to manage independently for the first time.
If they are actually taught this in school, they are more likely to cook healthy meals, do laundry often, and keep their living space tidy.
Even though home economics was criticized for being s*xist back then, it was.
It is now widely accepted that women are not condemned to spend their lives cooking, cleaning, and raising children unless they choose to. This is because societal expectations for women at home and in the workplace have changed rapidly in recent years.
However, there is no reason why home economics cannot be taught to both s*xes today.
A good place to start is to learn how to wash your hands, cook, and give first aid.
Imagine if home economics could teach us how to pay taxes, change a light bulb, or change a tire. Even as adults, many of us don’t even know how to do these things, and may never figure it out.
It makes perfect sense to give young people a special place to learn this, but most schools still prioritize classes that won’t help us much later.
Naturally, children can still learn a lot from their own parents if all else fails.
In conclusion, home economics education plays a key role in preparing students for life outside the classroom. By reintroducing these courses and making them available to both boys and girls, we can provide young people with essential life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. From cooking nutritious meals to managing your finances and maintaining your home, these skills are the building blocks of a successful and fulfilling life. It is time to prioritize practical education alongside traditional academics to ensure our students are well-rounded and ready for the challenges of the 21st century.