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Unit 1 Foundations and Trends in Family and Consumer Sciences
consumer sciences, which has been expressed
in various ways over the years, as shown in
Figure 3-1. The common thread in these mis-
sion statements is improving the quality of life
for individuals, families, and communities.
Apparel designers with a family and con-
sumer sciences background combine knowl-
edge of fashion and technical skills in design
with knowledge of basic human developmental
needs and the management of individual and
family resources. In other words, it is a more
comprehensive or holistic view of apparel and
fashion than is offered in an academic unit such
as art or design.
How does training in apparel design within
the context of family and consumer sciences
differ from technical training in apparel design?
If Aaron chooses to pursue a career in fashion
design for young urban men, his family and
consumer sciences background will give him
a deeper understanding of their physical, emo-
tional, social, and cognitive development as well
as the context of an urban environment. He will
understand the socioeconomic strata of his clien-
tele as well as financial resource allocation and
the decision-making dynamics of his intended
customers. In addition to his talent and creativ-
ity, he will have the technical skills in pattern
drafting, textile science, and fashion forecasting
required in the fashion industry.
In both programs, a student learns how
to draft patterns, how to do computer-aided
Definitions and Mission Statements for the Family and Consumer Sciences Profession
1902
“…study of the laws, conditions, principles and ideals which are concerned on the one hand with man’s
immediate physical environment and on the other hand with his nature as a social being, and is the study
specifically of the relations between those two factors” (Fourth Lake Placid Conference, 1902; cited in East,
1980, p.10)
1909
“…improve the conditions of living in the home, the institutional household, and the community” (American Home
Economics Association, 1909; cited in Stage & Vincenti, p.28)
1979
“…to enable families, both as individual units and generally as a social institution, to build and maintain systems
of action which lead (1) to maturing in individual self-formation and (2) to enlightened, cooperative participation
in the critique and formulation of social goals and means for accomplishing them” (Brown & Paolucci, 1979, p. 23)
1994
“…an integrative approach to the relationships among individuals, families, and communities and the
environments in which they function” (American Home Economics Association, 1994)
2011
“Essence of Family and Consumer Sciences: Creating healthy and sustainable families” (American Association
of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2011)
2012
“…the comprehensive body of skills, research, and knowledge that helps people make informed decisions about
their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life” (American Association of Family
and Consumer Sciences, 2012c, “What is FCS?”)
Figure 3-1 What key ideas are contained in these statements?