Homemaker Skills Wane

The study uses household surveys to examine the evolution of skills like cooking, sewing, and childcare, revealing how the rise of the female labor force and consumer culture has reshaped domestic life. The book investigates various factors contributing to this trend, including the increased participation of women in the workforce and the availability of convenience goods and services. It also examines social and cultural shifts, such as evolving gender roles and a decreasing emphasis on domestic education.

By analyzing quantitative data from household surveys and incorporating qualitative insights, the book provides an unbiased, data-driven analysis of these social and economic trends. The book progresses by establishing a baseline of homemaking skills in 1960 and then analyzing economic, social, and technological factors influencing their decline.

The comprehensive analysis in Homemaker Skills Wane provides valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and general readers interested in history, social science, and the changing roles of women. Understanding this decline challenges simplistic narratives about progress and offers a deeper examination of the trade-offs in modern life, making it a valuable contribution to understanding social history and family dynamics.