NCERT Textbook: Work, Livelihood and Career | Home Science for Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
1
WORK, LIVELIHOOD 
AND CAREER
UNIT I
Chapters.indd   1 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
Page 2


Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
1
WORK, LIVELIHOOD 
AND CAREER
UNIT I
Chapters.indd   1 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
2
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, the learner will be able to:
z z explain meaningful work, livelihood, careers and entrepreneurship.
z z understand the concepts of standard of living and quality of life.
z z know the importance of social responsibility and volunteerism.
z z explain the attitudes and approaches that contribute to quality of 
work life and successful careers.
z z be sensitive to the issues of work in relation to traditional occupations 
and special groups namely women, children and elderly. 
z z describe the characteristics of a healthy work environment
Introduction
Deciding a career for oneself is not an easy task. On one hand, there 
are several career avenues to choose from, and on the other, for a young 
person, aptitude and talent are yet to be identi??ed and recognised. Also in 
some cases, interests are very diverse. Thus, it is not easy to make a choice. 
In order to make the right choice, it is essential that youth be exposed to 
different possible options. First, it is important to explore oneself in order 
Work, Livelihood 
and Career
Chapter
1
Chapters.indd   2 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
Page 3


Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
1
WORK, LIVELIHOOD 
AND CAREER
UNIT I
Chapters.indd   1 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
2
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, the learner will be able to:
z z explain meaningful work, livelihood, careers and entrepreneurship.
z z understand the concepts of standard of living and quality of life.
z z know the importance of social responsibility and volunteerism.
z z explain the attitudes and approaches that contribute to quality of 
work life and successful careers.
z z be sensitive to the issues of work in relation to traditional occupations 
and special groups namely women, children and elderly. 
z z describe the characteristics of a healthy work environment
Introduction
Deciding a career for oneself is not an easy task. On one hand, there 
are several career avenues to choose from, and on the other, for a young 
person, aptitude and talent are yet to be identi??ed and recognised. Also in 
some cases, interests are very diverse. Thus, it is not easy to make a choice. 
In order to make the right choice, it is essential that youth be exposed to 
different possible options. First, it is important to explore oneself in order 
Work, Livelihood 
and Career
Chapter
1
Chapters.indd   2 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
3
to identify one’s own aptitudes, talent, personal preferences, needs and 
aspirations. Then the exploration of options must start, in which one tries 
to combine one’s strength for personal bene??t as well as social contribution. 
An appropriate choice will bring the person success and satisfaction.
Work and Meaningful Work
Work is primarily an activity that all human beings have to perform and 
through which each one ‘??ts’ into the world, creates new relations, uses 
an individual’s unique talents and skills and above all,  learns and grows 
to develop one’s identity and a sense of belongingness to society. Work 
can be described as essential activities undertaken for a purpose or out of 
necessity. 
Work is central in all cultures, although every culture has its own values 
and perceptions about it. In fact, work essentially constitutes the bulk of 
daily life activities for all human beings. The type of work undertaken by 
people depends on several factors such as education, health, age, access to 
opportunities, globalisation, geographic location, ??nancial returns, family 
background and so on. 
Most human beings work to acquire money, provide for their families, 
and to earn leisure, recreation, play and free time. Work can serve as a 
catalyst for developing one’s personal identity and boosting self-esteem. 
Work contributes in many forms. When we work, we contribute to 
ourselves — our sense of con??dence or well-being and for ??nancial gain. We 
also contribute to the organisation that employs us by helping to create 
better products or a better reputation for the organisation, or greater 
pro??ts. Our work has an impact on the quality of life in the world around 
us. 
It can be rightly said that ‘work is the oil that lubricates the machine of 
society’. Not only human beings, but all creatures and elements of nature 
are constantly ‘working’, contributing to life itself. In fact, it is the collective 
work of humans and nature that gives us our basic necessities, comforts 
and luxuries. While in most cases, work primarily enables the worker to 
earn a livelihood, there are persons who work ceaselessly for pleasure, 
intellectual stimulation, contribution to society per se, despite the fact 
that they do not earn any amount of money, for example, the work done 
by family members for the family, volunteers, etc. Thus, work is not always 
about how much money a person earns; rather it is about whether one 
makes a contribution to oneself, one’s family, one’s employers, to society, 
to nation or to the world.
Chapters.indd   3 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
Page 4


Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
1
WORK, LIVELIHOOD 
AND CAREER
UNIT I
Chapters.indd   1 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
2
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, the learner will be able to:
z z explain meaningful work, livelihood, careers and entrepreneurship.
z z understand the concepts of standard of living and quality of life.
z z know the importance of social responsibility and volunteerism.
z z explain the attitudes and approaches that contribute to quality of 
work life and successful careers.
z z be sensitive to the issues of work in relation to traditional occupations 
and special groups namely women, children and elderly. 
z z describe the characteristics of a healthy work environment
Introduction
Deciding a career for oneself is not an easy task. On one hand, there 
are several career avenues to choose from, and on the other, for a young 
person, aptitude and talent are yet to be identi??ed and recognised. Also in 
some cases, interests are very diverse. Thus, it is not easy to make a choice. 
In order to make the right choice, it is essential that youth be exposed to 
different possible options. First, it is important to explore oneself in order 
Work, Livelihood 
and Career
Chapter
1
Chapters.indd   2 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
3
to identify one’s own aptitudes, talent, personal preferences, needs and 
aspirations. Then the exploration of options must start, in which one tries 
to combine one’s strength for personal bene??t as well as social contribution. 
An appropriate choice will bring the person success and satisfaction.
Work and Meaningful Work
Work is primarily an activity that all human beings have to perform and 
through which each one ‘??ts’ into the world, creates new relations, uses 
an individual’s unique talents and skills and above all,  learns and grows 
to develop one’s identity and a sense of belongingness to society. Work 
can be described as essential activities undertaken for a purpose or out of 
necessity. 
Work is central in all cultures, although every culture has its own values 
and perceptions about it. In fact, work essentially constitutes the bulk of 
daily life activities for all human beings. The type of work undertaken by 
people depends on several factors such as education, health, age, access to 
opportunities, globalisation, geographic location, ??nancial returns, family 
background and so on. 
Most human beings work to acquire money, provide for their families, 
and to earn leisure, recreation, play and free time. Work can serve as a 
catalyst for developing one’s personal identity and boosting self-esteem. 
Work contributes in many forms. When we work, we contribute to 
ourselves — our sense of con??dence or well-being and for ??nancial gain. We 
also contribute to the organisation that employs us by helping to create 
better products or a better reputation for the organisation, or greater 
pro??ts. Our work has an impact on the quality of life in the world around 
us. 
It can be rightly said that ‘work is the oil that lubricates the machine of 
society’. Not only human beings, but all creatures and elements of nature 
are constantly ‘working’, contributing to life itself. In fact, it is the collective 
work of humans and nature that gives us our basic necessities, comforts 
and luxuries. While in most cases, work primarily enables the worker to 
earn a livelihood, there are persons who work ceaselessly for pleasure, 
intellectual stimulation, contribution to society per se, despite the fact 
that they do not earn any amount of money, for example, the work done 
by family members for the family, volunteers, etc. Thus, work is not always 
about how much money a person earns; rather it is about whether one 
makes a contribution to oneself, one’s family, one’s employers, to society, 
to nation or to the world.
Chapters.indd   3 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
4
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1
Work may be viewed as:
z z A ‘job’ and a means of making a ‘living’.
z z A task, or duty that entails a sense of obligation.
z z A means of security of livelihood through securing job and income.
z z ‘Dharma’ or duty, an expression of one’s true Self, an expression 
of one’s unique talents that in??uences the quality of life of self and 
others around us.
z z A part of spiritual practice.
z z A vehicle for one’s creations. 
z z A source of joy and ful??llment.
z z Working and earning one’s livelihood offers scope for hope, self-esteem 
and dignity. 
z z A symbol of status, power and control.
z z A rewarding experience, a sort of mental or physical workout that can 
result in success.
z z A means of self development and self-actualisation (re??ecting values 
and aspirations). 
When an individual is involved in meaningful work, s/he develops a 
sense of identity, worth, and dignity. 
What is meaningful work? : Meaningful work is useful to society or to 
others, is done responsibly and is enjoyable to the worker. It enables 
the worker to use his/her skills and judgment, to showcase his/her 
creativity, or problem-solving ability. Ideally, work should be performed in 
an environment that stimulates the development of positive professional 
relationships and also brings recognition and/or rewards.
When the outcome or result of the work performed is meaningful or 
successful, it contributes to personal growth, instills con??dence and self 
worth and may eventually even lead to actualisation of full potential. Work 
provides opportunities to contribute to the improvement of one’s own life 
conditions and that of society in the wider context.
For any person, being involved in work (as an employee or self employed) 
that best suits one’s personal attributes, talents or aptitude, competence 
and skills is very important. This paves the way for a life long career. So it 
is important to choose something to sustain the individual’s enthusiasm 
to carry on his/her work. Therefore, the work life for anyone and everyone 
should ideally be an expression of one’s potentials and aspirations. Persons 
entering work life and also those thinking of building a career can ask 
themselves the following questions:
z z What are my special talents, traits and interests vis–a–vis an 
occupation?
Chapters.indd   4 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
Page 5


Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
1
WORK, LIVELIHOOD 
AND CAREER
UNIT I
Chapters.indd   1 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
2
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, the learner will be able to:
z z explain meaningful work, livelihood, careers and entrepreneurship.
z z understand the concepts of standard of living and quality of life.
z z know the importance of social responsibility and volunteerism.
z z explain the attitudes and approaches that contribute to quality of 
work life and successful careers.
z z be sensitive to the issues of work in relation to traditional occupations 
and special groups namely women, children and elderly. 
z z describe the characteristics of a healthy work environment
Introduction
Deciding a career for oneself is not an easy task. On one hand, there 
are several career avenues to choose from, and on the other, for a young 
person, aptitude and talent are yet to be identi??ed and recognised. Also in 
some cases, interests are very diverse. Thus, it is not easy to make a choice. 
In order to make the right choice, it is essential that youth be exposed to 
different possible options. First, it is important to explore oneself in order 
Work, Livelihood 
and Career
Chapter
1
Chapters.indd   2 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
3
to identify one’s own aptitudes, talent, personal preferences, needs and 
aspirations. Then the exploration of options must start, in which one tries 
to combine one’s strength for personal bene??t as well as social contribution. 
An appropriate choice will bring the person success and satisfaction.
Work and Meaningful Work
Work is primarily an activity that all human beings have to perform and 
through which each one ‘??ts’ into the world, creates new relations, uses 
an individual’s unique talents and skills and above all,  learns and grows 
to develop one’s identity and a sense of belongingness to society. Work 
can be described as essential activities undertaken for a purpose or out of 
necessity. 
Work is central in all cultures, although every culture has its own values 
and perceptions about it. In fact, work essentially constitutes the bulk of 
daily life activities for all human beings. The type of work undertaken by 
people depends on several factors such as education, health, age, access to 
opportunities, globalisation, geographic location, ??nancial returns, family 
background and so on. 
Most human beings work to acquire money, provide for their families, 
and to earn leisure, recreation, play and free time. Work can serve as a 
catalyst for developing one’s personal identity and boosting self-esteem. 
Work contributes in many forms. When we work, we contribute to 
ourselves — our sense of con??dence or well-being and for ??nancial gain. We 
also contribute to the organisation that employs us by helping to create 
better products or a better reputation for the organisation, or greater 
pro??ts. Our work has an impact on the quality of life in the world around 
us. 
It can be rightly said that ‘work is the oil that lubricates the machine of 
society’. Not only human beings, but all creatures and elements of nature 
are constantly ‘working’, contributing to life itself. In fact, it is the collective 
work of humans and nature that gives us our basic necessities, comforts 
and luxuries. While in most cases, work primarily enables the worker to 
earn a livelihood, there are persons who work ceaselessly for pleasure, 
intellectual stimulation, contribution to society per se, despite the fact 
that they do not earn any amount of money, for example, the work done 
by family members for the family, volunteers, etc. Thus, work is not always 
about how much money a person earns; rather it is about whether one 
makes a contribution to oneself, one’s family, one’s employers, to society, 
to nation or to the world.
Chapters.indd   3 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
4
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1
Work may be viewed as:
z z A ‘job’ and a means of making a ‘living’.
z z A task, or duty that entails a sense of obligation.
z z A means of security of livelihood through securing job and income.
z z ‘Dharma’ or duty, an expression of one’s true Self, an expression 
of one’s unique talents that in??uences the quality of life of self and 
others around us.
z z A part of spiritual practice.
z z A vehicle for one’s creations. 
z z A source of joy and ful??llment.
z z Working and earning one’s livelihood offers scope for hope, self-esteem 
and dignity. 
z z A symbol of status, power and control.
z z A rewarding experience, a sort of mental or physical workout that can 
result in success.
z z A means of self development and self-actualisation (re??ecting values 
and aspirations). 
When an individual is involved in meaningful work, s/he develops a 
sense of identity, worth, and dignity. 
What is meaningful work? : Meaningful work is useful to society or to 
others, is done responsibly and is enjoyable to the worker. It enables 
the worker to use his/her skills and judgment, to showcase his/her 
creativity, or problem-solving ability. Ideally, work should be performed in 
an environment that stimulates the development of positive professional 
relationships and also brings recognition and/or rewards.
When the outcome or result of the work performed is meaningful or 
successful, it contributes to personal growth, instills con??dence and self 
worth and may eventually even lead to actualisation of full potential. Work 
provides opportunities to contribute to the improvement of one’s own life 
conditions and that of society in the wider context.
For any person, being involved in work (as an employee or self employed) 
that best suits one’s personal attributes, talents or aptitude, competence 
and skills is very important. This paves the way for a life long career. So it 
is important to choose something to sustain the individual’s enthusiasm 
to carry on his/her work. Therefore, the work life for anyone and everyone 
should ideally be an expression of one’s potentials and aspirations. Persons 
entering work life and also those thinking of building a career can ask 
themselves the following questions:
z z What are my special talents, traits and interests vis–a–vis an 
occupation?
Chapters.indd   4 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25
Unit I - Work, Livelihood and Career
5
z z Is the work stimulating and challenging?
z z Is the occupation likely to give me a sense of being useful?
z z Does the job make me feel that I am contributing to society?
z z Are the ethos and environment of the workplace likely to be suitable to me?
For most persons, it is de??nitely imperative and obligatory to earn a 
livelihood in order to ful??ll the basic needs of self and family. Most work 
can be for earning money – such work is conventionally referred to as a 
‘job’. However, many individuals choose to go beyond a job, to make a 
career, working steadily on a chosen career path. Thus a ‘career’ is more 
than just a job. One may distinguish between a job and a career by saying 
‘job is an involvement in work for the sake of it’ whereas ‘a career is driven 
by a deep desire to excel and a passionate need to grow, develop and prove 
oneself within the chosen ??eld of work’.
There have been changes in concepts about careers over the years. 
It is no longer suf??cient to get a job. It is very important to continually 
upgrade and learn newer skills, update knowledge and build or enhance 
competencies, in order to achieve success. Thus, in the modern world, 
education should not stop in youth or early adulthood but needs to 
continue into one’s middle career years and if necessary, into one’s later 
career years. 
How does one decide what career to pursue? Many children may choose 
to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Others may select careers that differ 
from their parents or what their parents might have planned for them. 
One of the most important criteria for selecting an avenue is that one must 
feel a sense of keen interest and desire for the chosen path. One of the 
crucial aspects in making decisions about the choice of career is that one 
must ??nd enjoyment in the job, particularly when one assumes ??nancial 
responsibility for the family.
Work, Careers and Livelihoods
Work is a set of activities with an intended set of outcomes. Yet it is not 
necessarily tied to paid employment, but may include entrepreneurship, 
consulting, volunteerism, contract, social work for community welfare 
and other professional activities. Livelihood denotes the means and 
occupation by which a person supports oneself to meet basic needs, and 
sustain one’s lifestyle. It involves choice of occupation and career path 
and the design of a work lifestyle. On the other hand, careers are unique 
to each person and are dynamic, unfolding throughout life. Career is a life 
management concept. Growing in one’s career is a lifelong process that 
involves managing roles, maintaining a balance between paid and unpaid 
work, learning, personal life roles, and making transitions whenever or 
wherever necessary to move towards a personally determined future. The 
Chapters.indd   5 8/12/2022   3:29:09 PM
2024-25