| Abstract: | This study entailed a content analysis of Canadian university consumer courses offered in 14 human ecology, home economics or related programmes using the Classification System for Consumer Concepts (Classi)1. Both the baseline data and the refined research methodology fill a gap in the literature as there has not been an examination of consumer studies university courses or curricula in Canada. The three aspects of consumer education (decision making, resource management and citizen participation) are evident in the collection of 58 courses. However, a small number of the 154 Classi concepts received an inordinate amount of coverage in the course outlines leading one to conclude, rightly so or not, that many relevant concepts are under or totally unrepresented. Focus seemed to be on: (a) consumer decision making and marketplace behaviour (especially consumer behaviour); then (b) family and household resource management (especially financial planning); rather than (c) activism, advocacy and protection. Preliminary analysis suggests that the courses seem to be preparing graduates for careers in consumer studies (applied science) and consumer science (basic science) more so than consumer affairs. |
