Household Administration, Its Place in the Higher Education of Women

Household Administration, Its Place in the Higher Education of Women is a pioneering work by Jean Hamilton Creighton, first published in 1903, that explores the vital role of domestic management in the intellectual and social advancement of women. The book argues that the efficient administration of the home is not merely a matter of routine or tradition, but a complex and dignified discipline deserving of academic study and professional respect. Creighton contends that the home is the foundation of society, and that the skills required to manage it—ranging from budgeting and nutrition to hygiene, child-rearing, and the management of servants—are as intellectually demanding and socially significant as those required in any other field. Drawing on contemporary educational reforms and the growing movement for women's higher education, Creighton advocates for the inclusion of household administration in university curricula. She examines the historical neglect of domestic science in formal education and challenges the prevailing notion that such knowledge is innate or trivial. Instead, she presents household management as a science and an art, requiring systematic study, critical thinking, and practical application. The book provides a detailed analysis of the various branches of household administration, including food preparation, health and sanitation, clothing, home economics, and the ethical and social responsibilities of women as household managers. Creighton also addresses the broader implications of domestic education for women's empowerment, social mobility, and the well-being of families and communities. She envisions a future in which women, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, can elevate the standards of home life and contribute more fully to public life. Household Administration, Its Place in the Higher Education of Women is both a call to action and a comprehensive guide, offering insights that remain relevant to discussions of gender, education, and the value of domestic work.