Description
Book SynopsisStir It Up explores the changing aims of home economics while putting the phenomena of Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, Ty Pennington, and the "Mommy Wars" into historical context.
Trade Review"Elias's account of the home economics movement focuses on its academic roots, its relationship to broader national policies, and the evolution of consumerism in the twentieth century. She does a marvelous job of demonstrating that what is now perceived as an obscure relic of an antique era was at its inception solidly mainstream, progressive, and pro-woman." *
Journal of American History *
"With her copious research and insights into the critical space of home economics in the early stages of the twenty-first century, Megan Elias opens many doors for future conversation. Much as its title proclaims,
Stir It Up successfully does just that." *
Women's Studies *
"At a time when we're still grappling with questions about gender, domesticity, and consumerism, Elias's history of home ec provides a thought-provoking glimpse into a movement that has helped to shape our understanding of these very issues." *
Bust *
Table of ContentsIntroduction
1. A Department of One's Own
2. At Home in the World
3. Future Homemakers of America
4. Burn Your Braziers
Epilogue: Flip this Housewife
Notes
Index
Acknowledgments
