Home economics had this central tension from the start.

And the question was whether this was empowering or repressive.

The founders of home economics saw their field as empowering as creating opportunities for women.

But at the same time, they were dealing with a lot of people in the world, particularly

men, who thought that this was all a great way to keep women in their place, especially women

of color. And eventually, that really turned against them.

On today's episode, Home Economics.

And if you think Home Act deals mostly with food and nutrition, child care, and managing a

household, you'd be right.

But there was a decade or so just before and after the Second World War when sewing

was a major part of home economics programs

across the country and truly a form of empowerment for a very brief period.

So Rosie the Riveter, that cover-all-wearing icon of women flocking to work in factories and machine shops,

how many of you know that her outfit was just one of many designed by a government agency,

specifically tailored for women, and part of a nationwide fashion campaign, one that might as well have been called Home Sewing v. Hitler.

I'm Alison Kourleski, you're listening to Fiber Nation, tales of textiles, craft and culture.

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