The Family and Consumer Sciences Body of Knowledge and the Cultural Kaleidoscope: Research Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

As a profession established during the Progressive Era when industrialization, immigration, urbanization, and other social forces were prevalent, family and consumer sciences is once again faced with similar social, economic, and technological societal conditions. This article addresses how family and consumer sciences, through its body of knowledge, is positioned to address the social changes of the 21st century. In particular, the article examines the family and consumer sciences body of knowledge in light of the growth in diversity or the cultural kaleidoscope by (a) providing a historical context for the body of knowledge for the profession, (b) presenting the current body of knowledge for family and consumer sciences and highlighting related research, and (c) discussing opportunities and challenges for applications in the body of knowledge for broadening the scope of research and practice to embrace the cultural kaleidoscope. The article not only contributes to the intellectual foundations of the field but also makes recommendations and identifies implications for research and practice.

Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Research Productivity in 2016

“…Nickols et al. () identified the need for family and consumer sciences researchers and practitioners to apply the family and consumer sciences body of knowledge to strengthen theory development, to address changes, and using the body of knowledge to frame both immediate and perennial problems. It is apparent that graduate students’ graduate research is evolving within this structure, specifically addressing change and immediate and perennial problems.…”

“…This review of graduate student research in family and consumer sciences shows that graduate students and their advisors are seeking answers to problems facing individuals, families, and communities with the goal of improving daily life. Nickols et al (2009) identified the need for family and consumer sciences researchers and practitioners to apply the family and consumer sciences body of knowledge to strengthen theory development, to address changes, and using the body of knowledge to frame both immediate and perennial problems. It is apparent that graduate students' graduate research is evolving within this structure, specifically addressing change and immediate and perennial problems.…”

Research on Housing for Older Adults: 2001 to 2018

“…Started as the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) in 1909, AAFCS prepares professionals for "careers focused on people and their environment" (AAFCS, Who We Are, n.d.), and it has developed a comprehensive body of knowledge to help families and consumers make informed decisions for their well-being and quality of life (Nickols et al, 2009). Started as the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) in 1909, AAFCS prepares professionals for "careers focused on people and their environment" (AAFCS, Who We Are, n.d.), and it has developed a comprehensive body of knowledge to help families and consumers make informed decisions for their well-being and quality of life (Nickols et al, 2009).…”

“…Housing has been an important area of study among the members of the AAFCS. Started as the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) in 1909, AAFCS prepares professionals for "careers focused on people and their environment" (AAFCS, Who We Are, n.d.), and it has developed a comprehensive body of knowledge to help families and consumers make informed decisions for their well-being and quality of life (Nickols et al, 2009). AAFCS covers a range of fields related to family and consumer sciences including disciplines such as housing, human development, and family studies, food science and nutrition, and textiles and apparel, and personal finance/ consumer economics.…”

Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Research Productivity in 2017

“…Today's mission of family and consumer sciences continues to have a similar scope, utilizing an integrated approach to seeking greater understanding of the relationships between individuals, families, and communities and the micro and macro environments in which they live (Nickols et al., ). The family and consumer sciences body of knowledge focuses on investigating basic human needs with the core elements of individual well‐being, family strengths, and community vitality with a systems‐based approach to investigation and practice (Nickols et al., ). The research completed by family and consumer sciences graduate students in 2017 demonstrates not only the breadth and depth of the field, but also the interdisciplinary nature of the field's inquiry.…”