Investigating Family, Food, and Housing Themes in Social Studies

Investigating Family, Food, and Housing Themes in Social Studies asks students to critically examine their own culture by contrasting it with the daily lives of average people in the past. What people ate, where people lived, and the functions of families are examined and contrasted to subjective, cultural ideals prescribing what families, food, and housing ought to have been. The relationship between housing, food, and family and social class, status, and gender are emphasized. Each chapter includes essential questions to focus student inquiry; historical overviews focused on changes in family, food, and housing from the pre-industrial era, through its transformation during the Industrial Revolution and into the twentieth century; learning activities; and primary source documents and images. This unique approach to teaching history and social studies supports thematic instruction, culturally responsive teaching, place-based education, and literacy in the elementary, middle, or secondary classrooms.

Resor has done it again with a look at daily life through the social history themes of family, food, and housing. Continuing the thematic approach used in her book Exploring Vacation and Etiquette Themes in Social Studies, she provides historical summaries, essential questions, suggestions for classroom activities, and primary source documents that pave the way for teachers to encourage students to critically assess popular trends and determine 'Is that really a thing?' Resor infuses excitement into the study of average people through the use of everyday objects, including cookbooks, family portraits, and mail order catalogues., This is social studies done right! Dr. Resor’s book offers a unique tool for new and experienced educators alike. Not only does she provide the necessary background knowledge and pertinent, engaging primary sources but also clearly articulated instructions for how to use in the classroom today. Students will be captivated with the themes of family, home and food. I look forward to using the strategies in this book and to more from Dr. Resor.

Cynthia W. Resor was a middle and high school social studies teacher before earning her Ph.D. in history. She is currently a professor of social studies education at Eastern Kentucky University.