Starting in the late 1800s, a group of visionary women began thinking about housework from the perspective of modern science. This new field came to be called home economics. The US government created the Bureau of Home Economics to harness its scientific approach for a variety of food and public health programs during WWI and the Great Depression. However, during WWII, the Bureau of Home Economics turned its focus to home sewing, empowering women in unexpected ways.
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On today’s episode, we explore the radical origins behind home economics. You’ll hear how it became important enough to have its own federal agency, and learn how one particular sewing magazine became a game-changer during WWII.
Want to learn more about author Danielle Dreilinger? Check out her book, The Secret History of Home Economics for a thorough exploration of the sometimes-fraught history of home ec.
Resources for this Episode
Patterns Described in Episode
- Coveralls: https://vintagepatterns.fandom.com/wiki/Advance_2795_A
- Housedress: https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/ipd/apronsandkitchens/exhibits/show/sewing/dresses-aprons
Women & JCPenney
- Women in WWII: https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/american-women-in-world-war-ii-1
- Women in Defense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRH70pR_oCo
- A historical timeline of JCPenney: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellisicky/2020/05/17/from-its-beginnings-to-bankruptcy–a-company-timeline-of–jcpenney/?sh=75616b8431de
Bonus: The Terrible Recipes of the Great Depression
Be sure to check out the latest episode of Fiber Nation, Home Economics vs. Hitler: Sewing in WWII! You can listen on the player above, or wherever you prefer to get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe via your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!
Thanks for listening,
Allison
