Notes on the scope of Studying Home Science Education

Home Science is a dynamic and ever-growing subject having maximum practical application throughout our life. The scope of studying Home Science is vast and varied in nature. As it indicates from its branches and significance, the scope of Home Science begins from the conception of the individual till the death, in every stages and aspects of life.

The scope not only confines to preparing the students for a number of professions, rather it prepares the pupils to become well balanced, competent and total human being first and professional next. The study of Home Science opens avenues for a number of professions, such as teacher ship, researchers, academicians, counselors, dieticians, nurses, designers, interior decorators, consultants, child development workers, nutritionists, social workers etc.

The scope of Home Science education goes beyond preparing the home maker with full professionalism to face the challenges of modern day family life. It is no easier to maintain and manage the peaceful family life, without any preparations and developing the specific skills required.

Linkage of Home Science with Other Disciples

“Home Science deals with all aspects of the life of the community and the nation. It integrates the application of knowledge synthesised from different sciences and humanities to improve the human environment, family nutrition, management of resources, child development and consumer competence.”

Thus, in order to understand all aspects of home living, its relations to the community and nation at large, it is essential to find the linkage with other disciplines such as physical, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, art, culture, religion etc. Home Science education has got strong linkages with other disciplines with a common goal to enrich, enable and strengthen the family life. In the next page given the linkages of Home Science education with other disciplines.

Home Science and National development

The social, technological and economic development of the country has its ultimate objective in improving the quality of life of its population. Hence, the overall goals of all national development programmes are to make adequate provision for fulfilling the basic needs of the people- like good food, clothing, adequate housing, good health care facilities, education, recreation and job opportunities. In the age of globalization, a multitude of pressures and problems such as physical, social, emotional and psychological nature confront the individuals, families and communities.

In this context of growing pressures in the work environment and the external world of competitions, the family assumes a vital role in shaping the citizens of tomorrow. Here comes the major role of Home Science education, as it equips the future citizens with relevant knowledge and competence, and prepares them to become efficient custodians of the nation’s futures.

Through its various spheres of involvements, it aims at developing the nation through eradication of poverty and illiteracy, infusing creativity in all aspects of life, social reform and enlighten, increasing food production, its better distribution and preservation, reduction in unemployment by promoting self employment, rural development, urban development, population education, income generation, resource mobilization and utilization.

Thus, the uniqueness of Home Science education lays in the fact that it is a profession, the only profession and field of study with the nucleus of the family as a social and economic institution and the individuals who function in that milieu and which work through prevention, education and development, vis a vis the therapy, crisis intervention and remediation.