Where Are We Headed? The Future of Human Development and Family Science as a Discipline

This chapter explores the future of HDFS. Little work has previously explored the history of HDFS. Therefore, this book addresses this gap by providing researchers, students, and practitioners with knowledge about the field. In this chapter, we explore how HDFS can advance as a field of study. First, we discuss the current state of HDFS concerning current degree programs and emphasize the translational and applied nature of HDFS. Then, we go into the importance of integrating both human development and family science, the role of professional organizations in disciplinary identity, and the difficulties of assessing HDFS history. Finally, we discuss emerging areas of research and how HDFS can remain a discipline. We offer four suggestions at the end: (1) emphasize that HDFS is a standalone discipline; (2) identify as a scholar in HDFS; (3) emphasize how HDFS is a constantly evolving, applied field; and (4) honor the home economics (i.e., FCS) heritage.