The Critical Science Approach (CSA) provides the Home Economics profession with a philosophical definition to connect mission, content, and practice. The CSA posits the profession to develop a cohesive identity among practitioners when addressing practical problems impacting the human condition. Home economics professionals conceptualize their identity during pre-professional programs and throughout their careers with professional organization membership. However, declining enrollments in university programs and declining professional organization membership dilutes CSA training. Furthermore, the need for a consistent identity impacts public awareness and perceptions of the profession's role in addressing societal challenges. The sustainable work of the Home Economics profession is contingent upon generations of highly engaged professionals who embody the philosophical foundations of Home Economics to inform knowledge and practice.

This roundtable forum aims to embrace attendees' experiences while engaging in reflexive discourse to examine the role of the CSA when charting the future of the profession.

Sample prompts:
What should be done in higher education to socialize professionals with a professional identity grounded in the CSA?

What should be done to address contextual factors influencing a professional's engagement in professional learning (professional organizations)?

What should the Home Economics profession do to retain members and grow professional membership?