Class 7 Civics Chapter 4 Question Answers - Growing up as Boys and Girls

Short Question Answers

Ans : 
a.  Double burden: Double burden means extra or double load. This term is commonly used to describe women’s work situation as they work both inside and outside the home.
b. Care-giving: Care-giving includes a wide variety of tasks like looking after children, the elderly, or the sick. These tasks involve nurturing and ensuring the well-being of family members.

Q2: Explain why housework done by a housewife is considered invisible and unpaid work.

Ans:  Housework done by a housewife is considered invisible and unpaid because it takes place within the home and does not receive a salary. Society often values only paid work, so household tasks like cleaning, cooking, and childcare are undervalued despite their importance in daily life.

Q3: Sita and her cousin, brother Rakesh, are twelve years old. Sita is not allowed to stay in the playground after 6 pm while her brother Rajesh plays till 7 pm in the same playground. Explain the reason for this inequality between Sita and Rakesh.

Ans: The reason for this inequality is Sita is a girl while Rakesh is a boy. In our society, girls and boys are still distinct. 

Gender Inequality

Because of different ways of growing and the sick mentality of boys of being superior, girls carried the fear of being teased or attacked. Thus, in order to stay safe, they are not allowed to stay outside after evening.

Q4: How does a boy’s school differ from a girl’s school?

Ans: In a boy's school, generally, there is no courtyard, and they play in the playground attached to the school. 

Courtyard

While in a girl’s school, there is a central courtyard where girls used to play. In a boy’s school, most of the teachers are male, while in a girl’s school, most of the teachers are females.

Q5: Why we should value housework?

Ans: Housework, though unpaid and often unnoticed, is essential for the functioning of households. It provides comfort and care to family members. Even though work done at home isn’t visible in the economy (it does not bring money), it is just as important as paid jobs outside. This is why it deserves recognition and appreciation, just like any other work.

Long Question Answers

 Q1: How does the upbringing of boys and girls differ in society, and what impact does this have on their future roles?

Ans: Boys and girls are often raised with different expectations and roles in society. Boys are encouraged to be assertive and independent, while girls are nurtured to be caring and cooperative. This upbringing affects their future opportunities; boys may pursue careers in engineering or technology, while girls might be directed towards teaching or nursing.

Such gender-specific socialization can limit aspirations and reinforce traditional roles, leading to issues like gender inequality in the workplace. Boys may feel pressured to show toughness, while girls might experience restrictions on their freedom. 

Q2: Discuss the significance of the chapter "Growing Up as Boys and Girls" in understanding gender roles and responsibilities in society.

Ans: Boys and girls are often treated differently as they grow up. For example, a boy might be encouraged to play sports and solve problems on his own, while a girl might be asked to help with cooking or take care of her younger siblings. This can make boys feel like they should be strong and independent, while girls feel like they need to be caring and helpful.

Because of this, when they grow up, a boy might want to become an engineer or a pilot, and a girl might feel that she should become a teacher or nurse. This way of thinking can limit their dreams. Boys may feel like they always need to act tough, even if they want to be sensitive or artistic. Girls might feel like they can’t explore all the opportunities available to them, which can create unfairness at work and in life.

Q3: What are some of the challenges faced by individuals due to societal expectations based on gender, as highlighted in the chapter?

Ans: The chapter explains that society has different expectations for boys and girls, which can create problems for both. Boys are often expected to be strong and tough, while girls are expected to be gentle and caring. This can make it hard for them to be themselves. Also, the work that women do at home, like cooking and cleaning, is often not valued as much as the work men do, even though it is hard work. Because of these expectations, girls might have fewer choices in what they can do or learn, leading to inequality between boys and girls.