Domestic Service is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the world of household employment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Authored by Lucy Maynard Salmon, the book delves into the intricate relationships between employers and domestic workers, examining the social, economic, and cultural factors that shaped the institution of domestic service. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Salmon traces the evolution of domestic labor, highlighting the challenges faced by both servants and their employers, including issues of class, gender, and ethnicity. The book provides a detailed analysis of the various roles within domestic service, from cooks and maids to butlers and governesses, and discusses the expectations, working conditions, and daily routines associated with each position. Salmon also addresses the impact of technological advancements and changing social attitudes on the nature of domestic work, as well as the efforts to professionalize and reform the industry. Domestic Service is not only a valuable historical document but also a thoughtful commentary on the broader themes of labor, dignity, and social mobility. It offers readers a window into a world that was central to the functioning of many households, yet often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. With its rich detail and nuanced perspective, the book remains an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of work, gender relations, and domestic life.

Progress in the Household by Catherine E. Beecher is a pioneering work in the field of domestic science and home management, first published in the late 19th century. This comprehensive book explores the evolving role of the household in American society, emphasizing the importance of efficiency, organization, and scientific principles in everyday domestic tasks. Beecher, a renowned educator and advocate for women's education, presents a detailed analysis of household operations, including cooking, cleaning, ventilation, heating, and the management of servants. She advocates for the application of rational planning and technological advancements to improve the comfort, health, and well-being of families. The book delves into the architecture and design of homes, offering practical advice on the arrangement of rooms, selection of materials, and the use of labor-saving devices. Beecher also addresses the social and moral responsibilities of women as household managers, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the character and success of the family unit. With a blend of practical instruction, philosophical reflection, and social commentary, Progress in the Household serves as both a manual for homemakers and a treatise on the significance of domestic life in the progress of civilization. Rich in historical context and forward-thinking ideas, this work remains a valuable resource for understanding the development of home economics and the changing landscape of domestic life in America.

L'économie libérale a su apporter le confort, mais non le bonheur à l'homme moderne, affecté par la perte du sens de son existence et une dilution générale des liens sociaux. Les médias internationaux ont fait naître l'esquisse d'une conscience planétaire, non sans confusion : la fonte rapide de toutes les frontières s'accompagne d'une renaissance des particularismes, dans un monde qui semble hésiter entre intégration et fragmentation. Les idéologies défuntes ont fait place à un pragmatisme à courte vue, finalement bien peu réaliste quand un chômage endémique menace la cohésion sociale au Nord, tandis qu'au Sud des foules entières ont perdu l'espoir de sortir de la misère. Pour Robert Salmon, il est inacceptable de répondre par l'exclusion aux défis actuels, qui appellent à un changement radical des mentalités, alors que les valeurs d'hier rencontrent leurs limites : le rationalisme bute sur l'incertitude et la complexité, la liberté sur le besoin de responsabilité et de solidarité, l'efficacité à court terme sur les nouvelles exigences écologique et éthique. Qui veut préparer l'avenir doit fonder sa stratégie sur l'homme, car une telle démarche peut seule intégrer des valeurs largement partagées, comme l'exigence démocratique, le souci éthique, l'appartenance à un groupe, la soif de renouveau, la préservation de l'écosystème... L'objectif ne peut plus être de mieux se servir des hommes, mais de mieux les servir. Ceux-ci pourront alors s'abandonner, grâce à une confiance restaurée, à leur mouvement naturel, trop longtemps contrarié : s'investir avec passion dans leur métier, à mesure que se développera leur conscience d'être co-créateurs de leur destin et coresponsables de l'évolution de l'humanité.