Huishoudkunde - waarheen?

Abstract

The question, 'Home Economics: where to?' was posed. A survey of the history of the development of Home Economics as a discipline - in the USA as well as at the University of Pretoria - was given as the first step towards providing an answer to this question. The second step comprised an analysis of the definition of Home Economics as a field of study. This analysis stated that Home Economics was the study of man as a total being, of his environment, and of his relation to his environment. It was pointed out that there were certain factors in South African society that have a direct influence on the interpretation of Home Economics as a discipline that satisfies needs and solves problems. These factors included population increase and its financial implications to all groups in South Africa; urbanisation; women in the labour force; and the increased tempo of change. The answer to the question, 'Home Economics: where to?' was presented in terms of certain goals that the Department of Home Economics had set itself. These goals included an increased emphasis on three aspects: awareness of the needs of all the different groups in South African society; constant research; and active teaching. The aim would always remain to gain a better understanding of the needs and problems of societies and families. In addition, it was emphasised that Home Economics should become closer aligned to the field of Social Science in order to justify the definition of Home Economics at this University as a discipline that studies man as a total being, his environment, and his relation to his environment in his attempts to fulfil his or her family's needs for clothing, food, housing and home-making.