Content area
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to conduct an historical inquiry into the lives of five selected women leaders and their roles in the development of home economics in Mississippi. The selected leaders were Mabel Ward, Mary Wilson, Dorothy Dickins, Zxlema Price, and Mary Ellen Pope. Through compilation and analysis of the five leaders' life stories, this researcher sought to determine and characterize the personalities of these leaders and their beliefs and visions for the profession they served. The inquiry focused on the home economists' careers, how their careers influenced the development of the profession of home economics, and how they affected Mississippi populations. The ways these women exemplified leadership within the context of the era in which they lived were examined and analyzed. Using historical methods of data collection, analysis, and synthesis, the researcher sought to resolve three research questions. These questions were: How did the selected women influence the philosophies, trends, beliefs, and practices of home economics? What were the leaders' philosophies of home economics? How did the leaders enlist the support of others toward realizing these philosophies?
The study revealed specific and remarkable ways in which the leaders contributed to the development of home economics. The leaders developed similar philosophies of home economics to which they were committed, and used various efforts to enlist the support of others toward these philosophies. Data analysis supported the conclusion that the five leaders exemplified contemporary leadership theory. Their leadership and visions were consistent with actions of nonrevolutionary, reforming national leaders in home economics. These women leaders found ways to bring home economics to the people of Mississippi where knowledge of the discipline reformed ways of everyday life. Because they worked within an established system and created patterns of networking, they enabled others who shared the vision. The women also contributed to social revolution. Succeeding generations of home economists were nurtured by these leaders and a society of rural people were provided improved living conditions. Through effective leadership, these women contributed to establishment of a profession. Their influences live on in people, policies, buildings, and continued visions and inspirations.