Characteristics of Home Science Extension

Characteristics of Home Science Extension:

It is a multidisciplinary approach - It derives its body of knowledge from all sciences like physics, chemistry, physiology, nutrition and health, child development, textiles and clothing and also includes management, sociology, psychology, communication etc.,

It is action oriented - Home science extension refers to a series of activities, which impart knowledge on selected topics and help the target group to develop necessary skills for its application. Home Science extension education aims at action and results.

It empowers women and youth - In order to improve the economic status this is essential. This technical advances are shared and they are made to work independently with better status in the community.

Its results are intangible - Change in attitude and knowledge is a slow process and results cannot be seen immediately. Sometimes it is difficult to perceive concrete results and should not be taken as a measurement for the effectiveness of a program.

It is a two way process - Home Science extension establishes a two-way communication channel by bridging the gap between centers of higher education and research and the beneficiaries. Now technology is transferred to the field through various communication media or methods and target groups are helped to realize importance of using it for improving their standard of living. Similarly the needs and problem of the people are communicated to specialists who in turn find solution to these and that is passed on through field workers.

It is a need-based program - Any home science extension program will exist or function only on needs of the people. It can be long-term or a short term need but without this no program for development can be planned.

It is family oriented - The very word home means the family and so home science extension aims at the overall development of every individual in the family young or old, men or women.

It is voluntary - There is no compulsion on the people to participate in home science extension programs. They are made to realize the need for developmental progress but accepting and participating in developmental programs is totally left to the people