Some factors that influence the election of homemaking in secondary schools in Montgomery County, Virginia

Abstract

This investigation was made to determine some of the factors that influence the election of homemaking in secondary schools; and, to determine the bases used by guidance counselors when assisting high school girls with the selection of electives.

Data were collected from 903 girls enrolled in grades nine through twelve in five high schools in Montgomery County, Virginia and from sixteen guidance counselors employed in Montgomery County secondary schools.

Factors related to the election of homemaking were found to be: place of residence, slightly more rural than town girls elect homemaking; variety of electives available, more girls in schools having a limited number of electives, elected homemaking than did girls in the schools where more electives were available; marriage, most girls who remain in school after marriage elect homemaking; and, parental education, as parental education increased beyond high school fewer girls elected homemaking.

Prominent among the factors influencing a girl's decision to elect or not elect homemaking were the high school program in which a girl was enrolled, persons consulted, how they and others regarded homemaking in relation to other courses, and the girls' own reasons for the election of homemaking. A higher percentage of the girls enrolled in the general and vocational programs elected homemaking than did those in the academic program. The persons having the most influence on the election of homemaking were parents and other students. Girls who elected homemaking regarded it more favorably in comparison to other courses than did the girls who did not elect homemaking.

The two leading reasons given by both the girls and guidance counselors for the election of homemaking were: girls feel a need to prepare for marriage, parenthood, and family life, and the advice of parents to include homemaking in their program.

The bases guidance counselors consider when assisting with the selection of electives for the high school program were the student’s plans after graduating from high school and his interests. A high percent, 85%, of the guidance counselors had a favorable attitude toward housemaking.

Guidance counselors and girls gave as reasons for the nonelection of homemaking other more important interests and schedule conflicts.