The question, then, becomes how common useful home ec courses actually are. E.g. I had one of those back in middle school, but it was close to useless. IIRC, it consisted of cooking and sewing; the former half did nothing to actually explain cooking and so was useless to anyone who didn’t already understand cooking, while the latter half seemed to successfully teach the basics (at least, I think I understand the basics) but isn’t something I’ve ever really had reason to apply. (I think we also discussed nutrition some, but that was redundant as it was already covered in other classes.)
Incidentally, on cooking, if you’re a nerd, learning some of the science of cooking is actually pretty rewarding. Learning how browning occurs, how fats work etc. can improve your cooking somewhat and it’s fun to know. I found The Science of Cooking to be pretty informative.
When I was in middle school, anyone not in band (or sports, I think) took “Family and Consume Science”—FACS. Basically home economics with a spiffy new name. But to be honest, it didn’t teach much that was useful. In HS, there was no course like that. Well, maybe an elective.
“Home Economics” and similar courses teach life skills like cooking, paying bills and doing your taxes.
The question, then, becomes how common useful home ec courses actually are. E.g. I had one of those back in middle school, but it was close to useless. IIRC, it consisted of cooking and sewing; the former half did nothing to actually explain cooking and so was useless to anyone who didn’t already understand cooking, while the latter half seemed to successfully teach the basics (at least, I think I understand the basics) but isn’t something I’ve ever really had reason to apply. (I think we also discussed nutrition some, but that was redundant as it was already covered in other classes.)
Incidentally, on cooking, if you’re a nerd, learning some of the science of cooking is actually pretty rewarding. Learning how browning occurs, how fats work etc. can improve your cooking somewhat and it’s fun to know. I found The Science of Cooking to be pretty informative.
When I was in middle school, anyone not in band (or sports, I think) took “Family and Consume Science”—FACS. Basically home economics with a spiffy new name. But to be honest, it didn’t teach much that was useful. In HS, there was no course like that. Well, maybe an elective.