The promotion of knowledge and the application of knowledge in the study fields of textiles, clothing, foods, nutrition and interior merchandise as it applies to the South African circumstance. Individual, household and group needs differ with regard to textiles, clothing, foods, nutrition and interior merchandise. A social-psychological and social-cultural approach is needed to understand human behaviour to be able to contribute to the improvement of basic needs and quality of life. This approach is also used in consumer facilitation in the fields of clothing, foods and interior merchandise