Essential Dimensions of Home Economics
The thread or essential ingredient that all subjects,
courses of study and professionals identifying as home
economists must exhibit has at least three essential
dimensions:
• a focus on fundamental needs and practical concerns
of individuals and family in everyday life and their
importance both at the individual and near community
levels, and also at societal and global levels so that
wellbeing can be enhanced in an ever changing and
ever challenging environment;
• the integration of knowledge, processes and practical
skills from multiple disciplines synthesised through
interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary inquiry and
pertinent paradigms; AND
• demonstrated capacity to take critical/
transformative/ emancipatory action to enhance
wellbeing and to advocate for individuals, families and
communities at all levels and sectors of society.
• Ensuring the interplay of these dimensions of Home
Economics is the basis upon which the profession can
be sustained into the future. Because of these
attributes, Home Economics is distinctively positioned
to collaborate with other professional