Contributions of Family and Consumer Sciences Education to Career Development and Preparation and Opportunities for Future Research: A Review of Literature

Occupational instruction and job preparation, as well as the interconnectedness of work and family life were topics of interest in home economics research from the 1970s to the 1990s. However, with legislative changes for the past two decades shifting toward career development, career readiness, and employability in Career and Technical Education (CTE), there is limited research by Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals in these areas. This literature review highlights the research conducted in FCS education over the last fifty years in the areas of occupational instruction, job preparation, and work and family life. Additionally, this review illustrates that FCS was uniquely positioned historically to lead research in these areas and beckons the profession to resume research on the interconnectedness of work and family life considering how much society has changed in the past decade. Further, the authors recommend research in the areas of career development and preparation, employability, and work-based learning should be conducted.