Family and Community NCERT Solutions | Social Studies (SST) Class 6 PDF Download

Questions, Activities and Projects

Q1: What are some of the rules you follow in your family and neighbourhood? Why are they important?
Ans: Family Rules:

• Respecting Elders: Always greet and listen to elders.
• Chores Rotation: Share household chores on a rotating basis.
• Meal Times: Eat dinner together as a family every night.
• Study Time: Set specific hours for studying each day.
• Importance: These rules foster respect, cooperation, responsibility, and family bonding, ensuring a harmonious and supportive household.

Neighbourhood Rules:

• Quiet Hours: Maintain silence after 10 PM.
• Community Cleanliness: Residents take turns cleaning common areas.
• Parking Regulations: Adhere to designated parking spots.
• Importance: These rules promote peace, cleanliness, and order, creating a pleasant and healthy living environment.

Q2: Do you think some rules are unfair to a few people in the family or community? Why?
Ans: Some rules may be perceived as unfair. For example, chore rotations can be challenging for busy or unwell family members. Quiet hours might be difficult for night-shift workers who are active late at night. While rules aim to benefit the majority, they can sometimes overlook individual circumstances. Ensuring fairness requires open communication and flexibility, allowing for adjustments based on specific needs and situations. Addressing concerns and being considerate can help make rules more equitable for everyone involved.

Q3: Describe several situations that you have observed where community support makes a difference. You can draw or write about these.
Ans: Situations Highlighting Community Support: 

• Health Crisis: A neighbour fell seriously ill, prompting the community to organise meal deliveries and assistance schedules. This collective effort ensured the ill neighbour received proper care and the family had necessary support, alleviating stress during a difficult period.
• Natural Disaster: After a severe storm damaged several homes, community members collaborated to clear debris and help with repairs. The swift response enabled families to return to their homes quickly, reducing the emotional and financial burden of the disaster. 
• Educational Support: Volunteers in the neighbourhood offered free tutoring sessions to underprivileged children. This initiative improved the children's academic performance and provided them with opportunities they otherwise might not have had, fostering a supportive educational environment. 

These examples illustrate how community support can significantly impact individuals' lives, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and mutual assistance.

The Big Questions

Q1: Why is the family unit important?
Ans: The family unit is important because it is the fundamental and most ancient unit of any society. It provides emotional, financial, and social support to its members, helping them develop into responsible individuals. Family members cooperate and support each other, sharing roles and responsibilities, which fosters love, care, and a sense of belonging.

Q2: What is a community and what is its role?
Ans: A community is a group of connected people who come together for various reasons, such as celebrating festivals, organizing events, or supporting each other in times of need. The role of a community is to provide a support system for its members, ensuring that everyone has access to shared resources and mutual aid. Communities help in maintaining social order and promote collective well-being.

Let's Explore

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Q1: What types of families do you see in your neighbourhood? List the type with the number of households for each type.
Ans: There are a few different family structures found in many societies in my Neighbourhood:

• Nuclear Family: This is the most common type in many society, consisting of parents (usually a married couple) and their children. There are around 40-50 nuclear families in our apartment society.
• Joint Family: Multiple generations living together, including parents, children, grandparents. There are around 10-15 such families in our apartment society.
• Single-parent Family: A household with one parent and their children. This can be due to divorce, or separation. There are around 4-5 such families in our apartment society.
• Childless Family: Family with two partners who do not have kids in the family. There are around 10-18 such families in our apartment society.

Q2: What types are more frequent? Why do you think this is so?
Ans: The frequency of family types can vary depending on the specific society or region.

• Nuclear Family: This remains a common family structure in many societies specially in cities. India is witnessing a surge in the number of nuclear family. Nuclear family is a growing trend modern times.
• Joint Family: In a joint family, extended generations reside together. Members are grandparents, parents, alongwith children and their grandchildren. In this kind of family, an individual learn more about their culture and ethnicity. Many families in villages and towns are Joint family.

Q3: As a class activity, compare with your classmates' findings and discuss.
Ans: Reena's Findings:

• Joint families: 3 households
• Nuclear families: 15 households
• Single-parent families: 2 households

Observations: Reena found more nuclear families, with fewer joint and single-parent households.
Reasons: This could be because Reena lives in an urban area, where nuclear families are more practical due to space limitations and the need for privacy.
Discussion: Nuclear families are common in cities, often due to job relocations and the desire for better education for children.
Mayank's Findings:

• Joint families: 8 households
• Nuclear families: 7 households
• Single-parent families: 1 household

Observations: Mayank found more joint families than nuclear families, indicating a different family trend.
Reasons: This may reflect cultural preferences for joint families, especially in more traditional or rural areas, where family support is valued.
Discussion: Joint families can offer shared responsibilities and emotional support, suggesting strong cultural traditions and ties.
Comparative Analysis:

• Family Types: Nuclear families are more common in urban areas, while joint families are more frequent in regions with strong cultural traditions.
• Impact of Setting: The urban environment favors nuclear families due to space and economic factors, while rural areas or those with strong cultural values often maintain joint family structures.

Class Discussion: Students can discuss how economic opportunities, cultural values, and living conditions shape family structures. They can explore the benefits and challenges of nuclear families (such as financial independence) and joint families (such as shared responsibilities).
This activity helps students understand the diversity in family structures and the factors influencing them, promoting awareness of how different environments and values shape family dynamics in their communities.

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Q1: Make a list of all the members of your family you can think of, including a few distant relatives. List their terms in your mother tongue or regional language and try to find the equivalent in English. Two examples are below for Hindi:
Ans: This example shows how family relationships are described with more specific terms in different regional languages, compared to English, where the terms are more general. Here are examples in Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali:
Hindi Example

• Rani: mother's brother's daughter (cousin)
• Sameer: father's younger brother (uncle)
• Anil: father's elder brother (uncle)
• Rekha: mother's brother's wife (aunt)
• Sunita: father's sister (aunt)

Tamil Example

• Ravi: father's elder brother (uncle)
• Lakshmi: father's elder brother's wife (aunt)
• Kumar: father's younger brother (uncle)
• Meena: father's younger brother's wife (aunt)
• Siva: mother's brother (uncle)
• Rani: mother's brother's wife (aunt)
• Mala: mother's sister (aunt)
• Raju: father's sister's husband (uncle)

Bengali Example

• Ramesh: father's elder brother (uncle)
• Sita: father's elder brother's wife (aunt)
• Shankar: father's younger brother (uncle)
• Parvati: father's younger brother's wife (aunt)
• Suman: mother's brother (uncle)
• Reema: mother's brother's wife (aunt)
• Nisha: father's sister (aunt)
• Father's sister's husband: (uncle)

These lists highlight how Indian languages have specific words for different types of uncles, aunts, and cousins, unlike English, which uses broader terms. This demonstrates the cultural richness and depth in family relationships.

Q2: Notice how, quite often, a single word in your mother tongue or regional language requires several words in English to give a precise definition.
Ans: In Hindi and Tamil, family terms are very specific, reflecting the close family ties and structure of the culture, whereas in English, these terms are more general. 
Here are examples showing the difference:
Hindi Example:

• Chacha: This word means "father's younger brother" in Hindi. In English, both "chacha" and other types of uncles are simply referred to as "uncle."
• Bua: In Hindi, this term refers to "father's sister." In English, this is also called "aunt," without distinguishing between different types of aunts.

Tamil Example:

• Periyappa: This term specifically means "father's elder brother" in Tamil. In English, this is also just "uncle," like any other brother of the parent.
• Chinnamma: This means "father's younger brother's wife" in Tamil. In English, she is just referred to as "aunt," without the specific family relationship being clear.

This difference shows how Indian languages are more detailed when referring to family members, helping people understand their exact place in the family. In English, these relationships are less clear, as the same term can apply to different relatives. This reflects the deeper connections and importance of family in Indian culture.

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Q: Answer these questions and compare your answers with a few classmates:
→ Who in your family decides what is to be bought from the market?
→ Who cooks food in your home?
→ Who is the oldest person in your family?
→ Who cleans the floor in your home?
→  Who washes utensils in your house?
→ Who helps you to do your homework?
Ans: 
→ My mother decides what is to be bought from the market.
→ My mother usually cooks food in our home.
→ My grandfather is the oldest person in our family.
→ We have a house helper who cleans the floor in our home.
→ The house helper also washes the utensils.
→ My father helps me with my homework.
Ruchika's 's Answers
→ My father decides what is to be bought from the market.
→ My mother and grandmother cook food together.
→ My grandmother is the oldest person in our family.
→ My mother and I take turns cleaning the floor.
→ My mother washes the utensils.
→ My elder sister helps me with my homework.
Kartik's Answers
→ My parents decide together what is to be bought from the market.
→ My father usually cooks food in our home.
→ My great-grandmother is the oldest person in our family.
→ My mother cleans the floor in our home.
→ My sister and I wash the utensils.
→ My tutor helps me with my homework.
Comparison and Discussion

• Decision Making: In my family, my mother decides what to buy from the market. In some of my classmates' families, it's either a joint decision between the parents or the father decides. This shows how family responsibilities can differ from one household to another.
• Cooking: My mother is the primary cook in our home, but in Kartik's family, the father is the one who cooks. This reflects that cooking roles are not always defined by gender, and both men and women can take on this responsibility.
• Oldest Member: The oldest member in most families is often a grandparent, but in Kartik's family, there's a great-grandmother, which shows a multi-generational family setup.
• Cleaning: In my home, a house helper takes care of the cleaning. In Ruchika's family, cleaning is shared among the family members, showing different approaches to managing household chores.
• Washing Utensils: In my home, a house helper washes the utensils, but in my classmates' homes, family members share or take turns washing them, reflecting different habits and resources.
• Homework Help: Homework help comes from different people in various homes. It might be parents, siblings, or even tutors, showing that education support can come from a variety of sources within or outside the family.

Discussion: These differences highlight the variety in family roles and responsibilities. The way tasks are handled can depend on cultural traditions, personal choices, or resources available to the family. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the diversity in family life and the factors that shape it.

Page 141

Q1: Draw a simple tree of this family of seven members.
Ans: A simple tree of family of seven members:

Q2: Why do you think Shalini's parents bought clothes for everyone?
Ans: Shalini's parents bought clothes for everyone because her uncle (Chittappa) was having financial difficulties and could not afford new clothes for the festival of Onam. This act of buying clothes for the entire family, including those who could not afford them, demonstrates the importance of supporting and sharing within the family. It reflects the values of love, care, and responsibility towards each other, ensuring everyone feels included and can celebrate together.

Q3: What would you have done if you were in Shalini's place?
Ans: If I were in Shalini's place, I would have understood and accepted the decision of my parents to buy clothes for everyone, even if it meant not getting the silk dress I expected. I would recognize the importance of family support and the joy of seeing my relatives happy and able to participate fully in the festival. Sharing and supporting each other in times of need is a valuable lesson that strengthens family bonds.

Page 143

Q1: Create a story of a family somewhere in India, where we see some family values practised. Share it with your class either through writing or drawing.
Ans: The Sharma Family in Rajasthan 
The Sharma family lives in a village in Rajasthan, consisting of Mr. Sharma, his wife Mrs. Sharma, their children Raj and Priya, and Mr. Sharma's parents, Dadaji and Dadiji. The family practices values like respect, cooperation, and education. Raj and Priya touch their grandparents' feet every morning. Mrs. Sharma and Dadiji manage household chores together, while Raj helps his father in the fields. Dadaji tells moral stories in the evenings, and during festivals, the entire family participates in preparations. They visit the local temple together, reinforcing their spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage.

Q2: Stage a small drama with all your classmates around two or three families. The play you write could include some challenging situations that the families faced, and show how they are resolved.
Ans: Title: Strength in Unity
Characters:

• The Sharmas: Mr. Sharma, Mrs. Sharma, Raj, Priya, Dadaji, Dadiji
• The Mehtas: Mr. Mehta, Mrs. Mehta, Anjali

Scene 1: Financial Crisis
Setting: The Sharma household
(Mr. Sharma enters looking worried. The family gathers around him.)
Mr. Sharma: "Our crops failed this season, and we're short on money."
Dadaji: "Don't worry, we'll get through this together. Let's see how we can cut down on expenses."
Mrs. Sharma: "We can reduce unnecessary spending and rely on our stored grains."
(The family supports each other, planning ways to manage the crisis.)
Scene 2: The Mehtas' Dilemma
Setting: The Mehta household
(Anjali comes home crying.)
Anjali: "I failed my exams. I'm so ashamed."
Mr. Mehta: "We'll hire a tutor and help you study better."
Mrs. Mehta: "We'll all pitch in and support you. You can do it!"
(The Mehtas rally around Anjali, offering encouragement and resources.)

Q3: In the stories of Shalini and Tenzing, we see examples of joint families. What do you think are the aspects of modern living that make some couples opt for a nuclear family (i.e., living apart from older generations or other relatives)? What could be some advantages as well as disadvantages of the two kinds of families?
Ans: Joint vs. Nuclear Families 
In modern living, couples often opt for nuclear families due to job relocations, privacy, and independent decision-making. Nuclear families provide autonomy and less interference but may lack the support system of extended family. Joint families offer emotional and financial support, shared responsibilities, and a sense Of belonging. However, they can also lead to conflicts due to differences in opinions and less privacy. Balancing individual needs with family values is crucial in both setups.

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Q: Make a list of all people outside your family that are supporting you through their work in one way or another.
Ans: List of Supportive People Outside My Family:

• Teachers: Provide education, guidance, and academic support, helping me achieve my goals.
• Friends: Offer emotional support, companionship and study assistance, fostering a sense of belonging.
• School Principal: Ensures a safe, conducive learning environment and oversees school activities.
• Tutors: Offer personalised academic help, improving my understanding of difficult subjects.
• Bus Driver: Safely transports me to and from school daily.
• Neighbours: Provide occasional help, creating a supportive community.
• Doctors and Nurses: Ensure my health and well-being with proper medical care.
• Local Shopkeepers: Supply essential goods and services for daily needs.

Page 148

Q1: What types of communities are you part of?
Ans: My Communities:

• Family Community: My immediate and extended family members who support and care for each other.
• School Community: Teachers, classmates, and school staff who provide education and a supportive learning environment.
• Neighbourhood Community: Neighbours who offer help and companionship, creating a friendly local environment.
• Online Communities: Various social media groups and forums where I share interests and gain knowledge.
• Sports Community: My local sports team and fellow athletes with whom I train and compete.

Q2: Is there a club that you are a part of in school? How does it function?
Ans: School Club Participation: The Science Club meets weekly to explore scientific concepts through experiments, projects, and discussions. Members participate in science fairs and competitions, organise guest lectures from scientists, and collaborate on environmental initiatives. The club fosters curiosity, teamwork, and a love for science among students.

Think About It

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Q1: Why does Tenzing's father consult his wife for special expenses?
Ans: Tenzing's father consults his wife for special expenses because they believe in making financial decisions together. This practice ensures that both parents are involved in important decisions, fostering a sense of partnership and shared responsibility in managing the family's finances. It also reflects their mutual respect and the importance of collaboration in handling unexpected needs and ensuring financial stability.

Q2: How do you feel about his participation in household chores?
Ans: Tenzing's father's participation in household chores is commendable and reflects a modern, egalitarian approach to family life. It shows that both parents share responsibilities at home, setting a positive example for their children about gender equality and cooperation. His involvement in tasks such as cleaning, gardening, and helping with food preparation demonstrates his commitment to supporting his family and maintaining a balanced household.

Q3: What roles do the grandparents fulfil?
Ans: The grandparents in Tenzing's family play significant roles: 

• Grandmother: She helps prepare food for the family and shares interesting stories with humour and wisdom, contributing to the family's cultural and moral education. 
• Grandfather: He helps Tenzing with his homework and takes him to the school bus stop. He is also actively involved in social work within the colony, offering help to others and addressing community issues such as power failures and supporting neighbours in need.

Story Based Questions

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Q1: Discuss this story in your class. What kind of attitude towards the community does it reveal? 
Ans: The story reveals a compassionate and proactive attitude towards the community. Kamal Parmar's initiative shows a strong sense of responsibility and empathy for underprivileged children. His actions demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact and uplifting others in his community.

Q2: What values get reflected in Kamal Parmar's initiative?
Ans: Kamal Parmar's initiative reflects values of compassion, selflessness, and dedication. His willingness to invest time and resources for the benefit of others highlights his commitment to education and social responsibility. The support from local teachers and student volunteers also showcases community spirit and solidarity.

Q3: Think about those underprivileged children. Do you think society has been unfair to them?
Ans: Yes, society has been unfair to underprivileged children by not providing equal access to education and opportunities. These children face numerous challenges, such as financial constraints, lack of resources, and social stigma, which hinder their ability to receive a quality education and improve their lives.

Q4: What should society do to make sure that all children get access to education?
Ans: Society should implement policies that ensure free and compulsory education for all children. This includes providing financial assistance, building adequate educational infrastructure, and ensuring trained teachers are available. Community programs and initiatives like Kamal Parmar's should be supported and encouraged. Additionally, awareness campaigns should be conducted to emphasize the importance of education and reduce societal barriers.