The Family and Consumer Sciences Body of Knowledge addresses five cross-cutting themes: capacity building, global interdependence, resource development and sustainability, appropriate use of technology, and wellness.
Capacity building means individuals, families, and communities acquiring knowledge, and skills, building on assets and strengths, respecting diversity, and responding effectively to change. The ability of humans to understand and solve complex problems, to preserve the knowledge of indigenous cultures in the context of rapid globalization, to appropriately use technology, and to strive for balance between change and continuity are some of the competencies needed in the modern world.
Global interdependence means the impact of people—individually and collectively—on the world, and the effect of their actions on others. It encompasses interdependence in global production and consumption. Tangible connections with neighbors around the world are possible through migration, advanced communications, and travel technology. Decisions in one country directly affect what happens in other countries of the world.
Resource development and sustainability involves managing resources wisely, protecting the environment, promoting sustainable practices, and creating public policy from generation to generation.
Appropriate use of technology involves understanding how advances in science and technology are shaped, manipulated, and used to affect the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Addressing scientific efforts in areas such as genetics and enhancement of human performance with knowledge of the benefits of these efforts must be balanced with thorough understanding of the ethical principles and moral issues involved and an awareness of the social, economic, and contextual implications.
Wellness addresses health and well-being. It includes food security; adequate nutrition; reduced risk of chronic and communicable disease; access to forms of exercise; respectful, caring, and compassionate learning environments; healthcare availability, access, costs, and quality; psychological health; protection from abuse, exploitation, and violence; access to safe water and air and adequate sanitation facilities; control of healthcare costs so quality care is available; and spirituality.
Source (AAFCS Accreditation Standards Edited 2019)