Danielle Dreilinger

Danielle Dreilinger is an award-winning journalist and author known for her work exploring the history of home economics and its impact on American society. Her book "The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live" was published in 2021 and received widespread recognition. As a journalist, Dreilinger spent many years covering education for The Times-Picayune in New Orleans, where she was part of the team that won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. She previously worked as a digital producer for WGBH News in Boston and has written for numerous publications including The Atlantic and The Boston Globe. Dreilinger's research and writing have helped reframe public understanding of home economics, revealing how the field empowered women in science and public policy while addressing crucial social issues. She currently serves as a senior editor at The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit newsroom focused on education journalism.

Readers praise Dreilinger's thorough research and engaging writing style in "The Secret History of Home Economics," appreciating how she reveals unknown aspects of women's history and scientific contributions. Multiple reviewers noted the book changed their perception of home economics from "just cooking and sewing" to understanding its broader impact on nutrition, education, and social reform. Liked: - Clear explanations of complex historical developments - Balance of academic research with accessible narrative - Inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives - Documentation of women scientists' overlooked achievements Disliked: - Some readers found middle sections less engaging - A few noted occasional repetition of key points - Some wanted more detail about modern applications Ratings: - Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ reviews) Reader quote: "This book opened my eyes to how home economics was actually a backdoor for women to enter scientific fields when they were otherwise blocked from doing so" - Amazon reviewer

The Secret History of Home Economics: How Trailblazing Women Harnessed the Power of Home and Changed the Way We Live (2021) A historical examination of how home economics evolved from a path for women to enter science and public policy to a modern academic discipline, documenting its influence on American society from the 1800s to present day.

Laura Shapiro writes extensively about the intersection of women's history and food culture in America. She authored "Perfection Salad: Women and Cooking at the Turn of the Century" which examines how domestic science shaped American eating habits.

Helen Zoe Veit researches the history of food, nutrition, and home economics in the United States. Her book "Modern Food, Moral Food" explores how Progressive Era reform movements influenced American dietary habits and domestic education.

Linda Gordon focuses on the history of women's social movements and public policy in America. She has written extensively about women's rights, welfare, and social reform efforts during the Progressive Era through the New Deal.

Ruth Schwartz Cowan examines the relationship between technology and domestic life throughout American history. Her work "More Work for Mother" analyzes how household technology affected women's labor and social roles.

Margaret Rossiter documents the overlooked contributions of women in science and academia. Her multi-volume series "Women Scientists in America" chronicles how women created professional opportunities in fields including home economics and nutrition science.