Introduction to Home Science

Q. Brief the Evolution of Home Science

Ans. The teaching of home science in India has a short history. In the early 20 th
century (1920-1940), home science known as Domestic Science was introduced in
some schools and colleges. The state of Baroda was the first to introduce Home
Science in secondary schools. There were many institutions in the different parts
of the country that had introduced courses in Food and Nutrition, Clothing and
Textiles, Child Development, Extension Education etc. These disciplines were
bought under one discipline named Home Science in the year 1932. The first Home
Science College named ‘Lady Irwin College’ was set up in Delhi in the year 1932 to
promote women’s higher education and remove social and educational
inequalities.
In 1938, Madras University offered Home Science at degree level. By 1950, Baroda
became a significant nucleus of Home Science education. The Avinashi Lingam
Home Science College contributed greatly towards the expansion of Home Science
at various levels starting from school to Ph. D. By 1980, many prestigious
institutions started offering B.Sc , M.Sc, Ph.D degree in Home Science.
Now, Home Science education is imparted in most of the schools and colleges in all
parts of the country as it offers the fundamental opportunities to develop their
best for promoting society.

Q. Describe the various areas of Home Science.

Ans. The various areas of home science are:
1. Resource management
In this area of home science we learn about resources available for doing
household activities, maintenance of house, cleanliness, decoration and proper
use of resources. It also includes consumer education and protection and guides
us to take decision for solving any problem.
 2. Food and Nutrition
Detailed information related to food is imparted in it. It includes food, nutrients,
diseases caused by their deficiency and excesses, their functions in the body,
their sources , meal planning for different members of the family, therapeutic
nutrition, cooking methods, food preservation etc.
3. Clothing and Textile
In this, knowledge is imparted about different kinds of fibres along with their
properties, how cloth is made is made using fibres and how to take care of the
clothes. Students learn how to buy good cloth and ready- made garments. It
also teaches fashion designing and latest design in clothing construction.
4. Human Development
In this, knowledge regarding physical, mental , social and emotional
development of the child, his problems and needs, family structure and
family relations is imparted.

5. Communication and Extension

Study of communication and extension includes the methods of imparting
and expanding knowledge of all areas of home science to everyone
particularly the village people. It also includes teaching about women
empowerment, ways to make rural women financially independent,
operating small scale industries, new techniques of agriculture etc.

Q. Discuss the relevance of House Science is improving the quality of life.

Ans. Study of Home Science ensures good standard of living as :
1. It familiarizes us with the household problems and ways to solve them.
2. It enables us to accept the changes in the area of nutrition, textiles, housing,
childcare etc and also teaches new managerial skills to adjust to the changes.
3. It teaches us to do household jobs in scientific and systematic manner using
modern equipments.
 4. It teaches the art of managing jobs by spending minimum time and energy to
get maximum satisfaction.
5. It teaches us to control our emotions and help us to adjust well in the
society.
6. It enables us with the ability to tackle the life situations.
7. It guides us to choose the clothes which are comfortable, modest, according
to fashion and within our budget.

Q. ‘Home Science as a subject is equally important for boys and girls’. Comment.
Ans. Home science as a subject is equally important for both boys and girls
because now a day both of them share equal responsibility of a home and family.
The modern concept of home science is to bring up homes where there is peace,
prosperity, progress and equal opportunities regardless of gender are provided in
the family to achieve best professional lives.
Family is a basic unit of society and teaching Home science improves community
well being through every family. It deals with their interaction as a member of a
family or society with the environment. Family is most important in any
individual’s life. Family provides healthy environment for all round development of
personality of an individual. Children are bought up in a family and they grow up as
adult with good individuality.