Housing Research In Home Economics: 1959–1982

Abstract

This paper presents (1) an historical perspective of housing research within home economics; (2) an analysis of housing research citations, 1959–1982; and, (3) the results of a survey of recent research, 1977–1981. An analysis of 729 citations compiled from seven professional journals and a survey of current research pro vided by home economists in 56 institutions revealed several major housing re search themes: design, personal/psychological and social aspects, special needs of user groups, consumer economic decisions, public policy issues, housing alternatives, residential energy, and community/environmental factors. Although a substantial increase in research activity and output over the past 25 years was indicated, housing researchers in home economics still are hindered by inade quate funding and lack of dissemination of research outcomes.