The Value of Work Chapter Notes | Social Studies (SST) Class 6 PDF Download

Introduction

Work is an important part of our lives. It helps people earn money to meet their needs and also allows them to contribute to society. However, not all work is done for money. Some activities are done out of love, care, or a sense of duty, even if they don't bring any income.

There are two main types of work: economic and non-economic activities. Economic activities involve work that is paid, like a teacher teaching in a school, a doctor treating patients, or a shopkeeper selling goods. On the other hand, non-economic activities are done without the goal of earning money, like a mother cooking for her family or a person helping in a community project.

Both types of work are valuable. While economic activities help people earn a living, non-economic activities often bring happiness, love, and support to others. Understanding the value of all types of work helps us appreciate both paid and unpaid efforts in our lives.

Types of Economic Activities

Can the construction of a highway be considered an economic activity? 

Yes, the construction of a highway is an economic activity as it involves the use of machines and labor to create infrastructure that benefits the community.

Economic activities are tasks that people do to earn money or things of value. These activities help people meet their needs and contribute to the economy. There are different types of economic activities, and we can see them in everyday life. 
Here are some examples:

• Jobs with Monthly Salaries: Some people, like Kavya's uncle and aunt, work for a company or office and receive a fixed salary every month. For example, her uncle operates a bulldozer for a construction company, and her aunt works at the post office. These jobs provide a steady income.
• Daily Wage Work: Some people, like Sahil, work on a daily basis and are paid for the work they do each day. Sahil, who works as a farm laborer, earns a daily wage for tilling the land. Sometimes, he also receives a part of his payment in the form of goods, like mangoes. This is called payment in kind.
• Selling Goods or Services: Some people make and sell goods, like Kavya's father, Rajesh, who is a carpenter. He buys wood, turns it into furniture like chairs, and sells them at a higher price. The difference in price comes from the value Rajesh adds through his skill, time, and effort. This is called value addition.

Each of these economic activities involves money or something of value being exchanged. Whether it's working for a salary, earning daily wages, or selling goods, all of these are examples of economic activities that help support people's livelihoods.

The Importance of Non-Economic Activities

Did non-economic activities generate significant value without involving money?

Yes, Non-economic activities create value in ways that don't involve financial transactions, such as volunteering, helping others, or spending time with family.

Non-economic activities are those that do not involve money but still generate significant value in our lives.

Sevä: selfless service

• Selfless service, or sevä, is a practice seen in various places of worship like temples, gurudwaras, mosques, and churches. For example, langars at gurudwaras offer free meals to all visitors. 
• These acts of service promote feelings of satisfaction and gratitude and allow individuals to contribute to society without expecting anything in return.

The strength of community participation

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

• This initiative relies on the collective efforts of Indian citizens to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings. People take responsibility for keeping their homes and immediate areas clean. 
• Additionally, communities come together to clean streets, roads, parks, and other public spaces. These collective efforts contribute to a cleaner home, neighborhood, society, and nation.

Van Mahotsav

• This festival celebrates the importance of trees and forest conservation. 
• Community members participate in tree plantation drives, promoting awareness about the value of trees and the need to protect forests. 
• This initiative fosters a sense of community and responsibility towards the environment.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between economic and non-economic activities helps us appreciate the diverse ways in which individuals and communities function. Economic activities are essential for financial stability and growth, while non-economic activities play a vital role in emotional and social well-being. Both types of activities are integral to a balanced and fulfilling life.

Key Words

1. Money's worth: The monetary value that a person places on an object based on the benefit that they derive from it.
2. Market: A place where people engage in the exchange of goods and services. People may exchange goods and services for other goods but in most markets these are exchanged for money. 
3. Fee: A payment made to a person or organisation in exchange for professional advice or services. For example, a fee paid to a doctor and a lawyer.
4. Salary: A fixed regular payment generally paid monthly by an employer to an employee.
5. Wage: A payment made by the employer to the worker for a specific period of time. 
6. Payment in kind: A non-cash payment that is received for the work performed.