Class 6 Social Science · Chapter 9 NotesFamily and Community

This chapter introduces the concepts of family and community, which are essential building blocks of society. It explains how families and communities function, the roles and responsibilities of their members, and the importance of cooperation and interdependence. The chapter uses examples from different regions of India to illustrate these concepts, making it relatable and easy to understand.

Families are the most ancient and fundamental units of any society. In India, families can be of different types. A joint family includes several generations living together, such as grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and cousins. On the other hand, a nuclear family consists of a couple and their children, or sometimes one parent and children. The chapter highlights that Indian languages have many terms to describe family relationships, emphasizing the deep bonds among family members.

• Joint familySeveral generations living together
• Nuclear familyCouple and their children or one parent and children

Family members have specific roles and responsibilities towards each other. Parents are responsible for raising their children to become happy and responsible individuals. As children grow up, they take on more responsibilities to help other family members. Families also teach important values such as ahimsa (non-violence), dāna (giving), sevā (service), and tyāga (sacrifice). The chapter provides examples of families supporting each other, such as Shalini's family in Kerala, where they share resources to ensure everyone can celebrate festivals together.

• Parents raise children and teach them values
• Children help with household responsibilities as they grow up
• Families support each other in times of need

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 agricultural practices. Communities often have rules about the use of shared natural resources like water, grazing lands, and forest produce. These rules ensure that all members have secure access to resources and perform their duties to keep the community functioning smoothly. The chapter explains that communities can be found in both rural and urban contexts and can take many forms.

• CommunityGroup of connected people
• Communities have rules for shared resources
• Communities support each other in various ways

Communities rely on various services and occupations to function effectively. For example, in rural areas, communities come together to support agricultural practices like land preparation, sowing, and harvesting. In urban areas, Residents’ Welfare Associations make rules about waste management, cleanliness, and pet care. The chapter also highlights the interdependence of communities, as they depend on each other for supplies, waste management, and other services. Examples of community initiatives, such as the Bhil community's efforts to address water scarcity, illustrate the importance of community support.

• Communities rely on various services and occupations
• Residents’ Welfare Associations make rules for urban communities
• Communities are interdependent and support each other

Social norms and customs are the unwritten rules that govern behavior within families and communities. These norms ensure that everyone contributes to the well-being of the group and maintains harmony. For example, families follow certain traditions and practices passed down through generations. Communities also have rules about the use of shared resources to ensure fair access for all members. The chapter emphasizes the importance of cooperation and interdependence in maintaining these norms and customs.

• Social normsUnwritten rules governing behavior
• CustomsTraditions and practices passed down through generations
• Cooperation and interdependence maintain social norms and customs