Newcomb Reviews New Book on the History of Home Economics
Anthropology professor Rachel Newcomb’s latest review for The Washington Post uncovers a surprising story.
By Stephanie Rizzo, ’09 ’09
June 02, 2021
Anthropology professor Rachel Newcomb’s recent review for The Washington Post is a fascinating look at how home economics shaped many aspects of culture, from science to politics.
Newcomb examines Danielle Dreilinger’s The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live, a book that reveals the surprising story behind a discipline many associate with post-war high schoolers looking to hone their homemaking skills. Instead, Newcomb dives into Dreilinger’s extensive history of the field, which provided a springboard for women—and notably women of color—to study science, economics, policy, and more.
Read the full text of Newcomb’s review on The Washington Post’s website.
- Categories:
- Anthropology |
- Faculty |
- Highlights
Recent Stories
February 20, 2026
What It’s Like … to Get Out of My Comfort Zone
From her first time traveling abroad to a recent service experience in the Everglades, Taylor Evans ’28 reflects on how stepping into the unknown has become one of her greatest teachers.
February 19, 2026
Pool ’26 and Greenberg Co-Author Book Chapter on Culinary Diplomacy
Public policy and political economy major Joseph Pool ’26 collaborated with religion professor Yudit Greenberg on research exploring how shared meals can bridge cultural and religious divides—work now published in a new academic volume.
February 19, 2026
Keen ’70 ’71MBA ’10H Receives Award from Orlando Economic Partnership
The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) will honor Allan E. Keen ’70 ’71MBA ’10H with the 2026 James B. Greene Award, recognizing his lifelong commitment to advancing the Orlando region’s economic prosperity.