Back to: Jss1 Home Economics (PVS)

Introduction

Home Economics is a subject that encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge that are essential for the well-being of individuals and families. In Nigeria, prior to the arrival of missionaries, children learned homemaking skills and trades from their parents and other older family members. This learning was largely based on observation, imitation, and practice.

However, with the arrival of missionaries, formal schools were established and people were taught how to read and write. As the number of girls in schools increased, a special centre was created and the course was introduced as Domestic Science, which was more versatile than just teaching cooking, sewing, and housecraft. Later on, the name of the course was changed to Home Economics.

Today, Home Economics is an important subject taught at all levels of schools in Nigeria, including primary, junior, and senior levels. The subject covers various areas such as food and nutrition, clothing and textiles, consumer education, family life, and resource management. It equips students with practical skills that are essential for their personal development, as well as for contributing to the development of their families and communities.

Definition of Home Economics

Home Economics is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on improving the quality of life of families. It achieves this by preparing individuals for family life, identifying the needs of families and individuals, and finding ways to meet those needs. Home Economics also involves improving the goods and services used by families, such as food, clothing, and housing. In addition, Home Economics is defined as a way of carefully managing both human and material resources for the development of individuals, families, and communities.

Major Areas in Home Economics

Home Economics is a broad field that encompasses several areas of study. These areas can be grouped into seven major categories, each of which has several sub-areas. It is essential to note that all these areas are interrelated and work together to help individuals and families achieve better living standards.

1. Food and Nutrition: This area focuses on the study of foods and their nutrients. It includes the selection, preparation, and serving of food, as well as the impact of nutrition on health and well-being.
2. Clothing and Textiles: This area focuses on textiles designing and sewing of clothes. It includes a wise selection of clothes, personal hygiene, and good grooming. This area also covers topics such as fashion design, textile science, and clothing construction.
3. Home Management: This area deals with the process of using the resources available to a family to obtain the things needed by the family. It includes topics such as budgeting, meal planning, time management, and organization.
4. Consumer Education: This area teaches people how to make wise decisions when selecting or buying goods and services. It covers topics such as advertising, product labelling, consumer rights, and responsible purchasing.
5. Housing and Interior Decoration: This area deals with the provision of housing for the family. It involves planning available space in the house, and selecting and arrangement of pieces of furniture, and other decorative pieces in the house. It also covers topics such as interior design, architecture, and home maintenance.
6. Child Development and Care: This area focuses on how children grow and develop. It includes topics such as child psychology, parenting, and child nutrition. This area also covers the proper ways to care for children, including providing a safe and nurturing environment.
7. Family Living: This area deals with how people live in a family. It teaches people how to maintain good relationships in the family. It covers topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and family values.
8. Financial Management: This area focuses on helping individuals and families manage their finances effectively. It covers budgeting, debt management, investment, and retirement planning.
9. Environmental Sustainability: This area deals with promoting sustainable living practices that help protect the environment. It covers topics such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and sustainable food systems.
10. Hospitality and Tourism: This area focuses on providing services and amenities to guests in the hospitality and tourism industry. It covers topics such as customer service, food service, lodging management, and event planning. Understanding these areas can help individuals pursue careers in the hospitality and tourism industry or simply enjoy their leisure time more effectively.

Relationship Between Home Economics and Other Field of Study

Home Economics is a field of study that deals with managing and improving the quality of life at home. It encompasses a wide range of practical knowledge and skills necessary for managing the household effectively. The field draws its knowledge from several other disciplines, including:

1. Chemistry: Chemistry is essential in Home Economics because it helps students to understand the properties of food nutrients, their composition, and the effects of heat on them. This knowledge is crucial for food preparation, storage, and preservation.
2. Biology: Biology helps in Home Economics by teaching students about plants and animals, the parts of the human body, and how they function. This knowledge is necessary for healthy eating, hygiene, and health management.
3. Physics: Physics is essential in Home Economics because it teaches students about electricity and how electrical appliances in the home function. This knowledge is critical in the selection, use, and maintenance of home appliances.
4. Economics: Economics provides the foundation for the study of Home Economics. It enables students to learn how to use and manage their human and material resources effectively. This knowledge is crucial for budgeting, financial management, and decision-making in the home.
5. Mathematics: Mathematics is vital in Home Economics because it teaches students about measurements and calculations, which are important in food preparation and other household tasks. This knowledge is essential for accurate measuring, weighing, and calculating.
6. Agricultural Science: Agricultural science is essential in Home Economics because it helps students to understand food production and preservation, which are necessary for good health. This knowledge is critical in making informed decisions about food choices, storage, and preservation.
7. Sociology: Sociology provides insights into how individuals and groups behave in different social settings, including the family. This knowledge is essential for understanding the social dynamics of the home, such as family roles, communication patterns, and conflict resolution.
8. Psychology: Psychology helps students to understand human behaviour and mental processes. This knowledge is essential for effective communication, parenting, and managing relationships in the home.
9. Textiles and Clothing: Textiles and clothing provide knowledge about fabrics, fashion, and clothing construction. This knowledge is necessary for clothing selection, care, and repair, as well as for making informed decisions about textile products.
10. Environmental Science: Environmental science teaches students about the relationship between humans and the environment. This knowledge is essential for making sustainable choices in the home, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and using environmentally friendly products.

Career Opportunities in Home Economics

1. Dietetics: A dietitian is a healthcare professional who specializes in dietetics. They use their knowledge of food and nutrition to help patients manage and prevent diseases. Dietitians work with patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings to create personalized diet plans that meet their nutritional needs.
2. Nutritionist: A nutritionist is a professional who studies and promotes healthy eating habits to prevent and treat illnesses. They work in various settings such as hospitals, schools, and industries to ensure that nutritious and safe meals are available at all times. Nutritionists educate people about healthy food choices, meal planning, and weight management.
3. Food Service personnel: People in this career work in the food service industry as catering managers, supervisors, stewards, and other roles. They are responsible for the day-to-day operation of food service facilities such as hotels, hospitals, schools, and airlines. They ensure that food is prepared and served safely and efficiently.
4. Catering: Catering involves preparing and serving food for events and special occasions such as weddings, parties, and corporate events. Caterers work in a variety of settings including boarding schools, hospitals, hotels, offices, and other locations where large groups of people need to be fed.
5. Hotel Manager: Hotel managers are responsible for managing the operations of a hotel or other lodging establishment. They oversee staff, manage finances, and ensure that guests have a positive experience. Hotel managers must have excellent communication and organizational skills and a strong understanding of the hospitality industry.
6. Teaching/Lecturing: Teachers and lecturers work in various educational institutions and teach courses in various areas such as primary, secondary or tertiary institutions. They are responsible for developing lesson plans, grading assignments, and providing guidance and support to students.
7. Researchers: Researchers work on food and nutrition problems, exploring new ways of planning and cooking foods. They use scientific methods to discover new ways to improve food quality, nutrition, and safety. Researchers work in a variety of settings such as universities, research institutions, and private companies.
8. Food Technology: Food technologists apply the principles of food science, engineering, and microbiology in the development, production, processing, packaging, and distribution of food. They work in food production facilities, research laboratories, and other settings to develop new food products and improve existing ones.
9. Designing: Designers create new designs for garments, such as fashion. They work in the fashion industry and are responsible for designing clothes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They use their creativity and knowledge of fashion trends to create unique designs that appeal to consumers.
10. Public Health Nutritionist: Public health nutritionists work to improve the health of communities through nutrition education and promotion. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or healthcare facilities, and their responsibilities may include developing and implementing nutrition programs, conducting research, and advocating for policies that support healthy eating habits.
11. Food Safety Inspector: Food safety inspectors are responsible for ensuring that food products are safe and meet regulatory standards. They may work for government agencies or private companies and are responsible for inspecting food production facilities, conducting food safety audits, and enforcing food safety regulations.
12. Culinary Arts: Culinary arts professionals are skilled in the preparation and presentation of food. They may work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, and catering companies. Culinary professionals are responsible for menu planning, food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation. They may specialize in specific cuisines or cooking methods, such as baking or pastry arts.

Home Economics Career Requirements

Education Level	Programs Offered	Qualification Awarded	Explanation
Senior Secondary Schools	Food and nutrition, Clothing and textile, Home management	Credits or Distinctions	Boys and girls can obtain credits or distinctions in any Home Economics subject at this level. With this qualification, people can obtain entry-level jobs such as attendants, waiters or waitresses, salespersons, etc. which require on-the-job training.
College of Education	Home Economics	Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE)	Studying in this college is usually three years duration. The Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) certificate is awarded at the end of the study. These colleges offer Home Economics.
Monotechnics and Polytechnics	Food and nutrition, Catering, etc.	National Diploma (ND)	These institutions offer programs on the area of Home Economics such as food and nutrition, catering, etc. and award a National Diploma (ND) after the completion of two years and later (HND) Higher National Diploma after two years of additional program.
Universities	Any area of Home Economics	Bachelor of Science (BS.c) or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Master’s degree, and Doctorate degree (PhD)	Universities offer 4 years of Bachelor of Science (BS.c) or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in any area of Home Economics, 1-2 years master’s degree and 3-4 years of Doctorate degree (PhD) in any area of Home Economics.

Importance of Home Economics to The Individual, Family and Nation

Home economics is an essential field that deals with the management of resources in the home, including the use of money, time, and energy. It encompasses different areas such as food and nutrition, textiles and clothing, housing, and family relationships. Here are ten importance of home economics to the individual, family, and nation:

1. Improved nutrition and health: Home economics education provides knowledge and skills necessary to prepare nutritious and healthy meals. It teaches individuals and families how to select, prepare, and store food to ensure maximum nutritional benefits.
2. Financial management: Home economics helps individuals and families to manage their finances effectively by creating a budget, saving, and investing in the right areas. It helps them understand the value of money and how to make informed decisions about their financial goals.
3. Home management skills: Home economics teaches individuals how to manage their homes efficiently. It covers areas such as cleaning, organization, and maintenance of the home. These skills are crucial in creating a comfortable and healthy living environment for the family.
4. Life skills: Home economics teaches life skills that are essential for the survival and well-being of individuals and families. These skills include problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, and time management.
5. Improved parenting skills: Home economics equips individuals with the necessary skills to raise children effectively. It covers topics such as child development, child psychology, and effective communication.
6. Personal development: Home economics encourages personal growth and development. It helps individuals to build their self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills.
7. Career development: Home economics provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in various fields such as food and nutrition, fashion design, hospitality management, and family therapy.
8. Community development: Home economics plays a significant role in community development. It helps individuals to develop skills that can benefit their communities, such as starting a community garden, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or offering free cooking classes.
9. Environmental awareness: Home economics promotes environmental awareness and sustainability. It teaches individuals and families how to reduce waste, recycle, and conserve energy.
10. Economic development: Home economics contributes to economic development by creating employment opportunities and improving the standard of living for individuals and families. It also supports local economies by promoting locally grown food and locally made products.