This competency-based preservice home economics teacher education module on life styles and the consumer is the first in a set of four core curriculum modules on consumer approach to homemaking education. (This set is part of a larger series of sixty-seven modules on the Management Approach to Teaching Consumer and Homemaking Education [MATCHE]--see CE 019 901-967.) Following the module objective and overview, three units of instruction are presented: (1) components of life styles; (2) effects of values and goals on life styles; and (3) developing a life style. Each unit includes the following elements: objective, overview, narrative summary, and suggested activities. A list of suggested resources (readings) for the entire module is also included. A module pre/posttest (with answer key) concludes the document. (Workshop proceedings relating to the development of these modules are available in the ERIC system as CE 019 896-899; also available is a module on utilizing FHA-HERO as an instructional strategy to expand and strengthen the home economics instructional programs [CE 019 900].) (JH)