As the new semester begins, many people still have prejudices and misunderstandings about the new home economics major being offered at Chinese universities.

This major aims to train professional talent for home economics company management, education and training, particularly, knowledge-based talent, and does not include domestic aids. The major in some universities offers courses that involve dietetic hygiene, nutrition, marriage, pension and financial management.

Currently, the home service industry is quite different from prevalent stereotypes, reflecting specialization, service standardization and management systemization. In terms of human resources, the demand for professional skills and services in the industry is growing. The prospects and social value of this industry are very promising, except that there is currently a lack of professionals in the country.

Under these circumstances, it is incumbent on society to train high-skilled home economics talent with both professionalism and specialization. A college student taking up this major will not only master professional skills, but also have bright career prospects. As for society, a home economics major can also bring about changes and innovations within the industry.

In order to break societal prejudices, the home service industry still has a long way to go. It needs to bring professional skills and services to a higher level and promote the social status of employees so that they can work in dignity and attract more talent to the industry.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in China Youth Daily on August 20)