SDGs from a home economics perspective

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Poverty is more than the lack of income and resources. Home economics education and research also includes the relation between household members and their free access to opportunities. This especially refers to women who are usually heads of households.

Food production and food consumption are closely interlinked and it is at household-level, where its members take decisions regarding their consumption choices, behaviour and livelihood strategies. Food preparation and healthy eating patterns is an important aspect of home economics education, accompanied by advocacy to integrate the subject in curricula.

Danger through infectious diseases and air pollutants especially affects vulnerable groups in private and institutional households. Home economics knowledge contributes to safe food processing, healthy diets, basic hygienic behaviour and offers safe alternatives to hazardous pesticides or unhealthy cooking stoves.

Empowerment of women and girls start at home. Gender equality in education or employment can only be achieved, if behaviour and values are nurtured and shared among household members and then confidently pursued beyond.

Water may be perceived as a local good, but our field also considers the global implications local household activities and consumption have. Water quality related behaviour and hygiene standards are core element of home economics knowledge for private and institutional households.

Home economics considers consumers as decision makers whose interactions have an impact and who hold their share of responsibility for a sustainable lifestyle. It endorses the concept that people should also come to practice activities in their communities, and thus promote and support transformation towards sustainability at a global scale.