Considering human development and family science from an HBCU faculty perspective: Commentary on Dyer

Abstract

The article by Dyer (2024) tells the origin story of human development and family science (HDFS). Dyer suggested that HDFS inherited its discipline and department from home economics, but the phasing out of home economics from academia has led to disciplinary fragmentation. This commentary is rooted in my experiences as an HDFS scholar, faculty at two different historically Black universities, and mentor to underrepresented scholars. I have found an academic home in the departments of Family and Consumer Sciences, Psychology, and HDFS. Each department has served my scholarship of discovery thereby demonstrating the disciplinary fragmentation stressed by Dyer. Commonalities and points of distinction across these departments and institutions are discussed following a brief primer on Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs). Considering the origin story and focus of HDFS at HBCUs would further strengthen our position in the academy.