Family and Community – Case-based Questions with Answers
Social Science — Theme D: Governance and Democracy
Chapter 9 — Family and Community: Role of family in society and its functions. The concept of community and its importance in shaping governance structures.
CBSE Case-Based Questions — How to use
- Each case presents a short scenario followed by 1–2 questions and a model answer.
- Use these for deeper understanding, class tests and exam practice (application-based).
- Structure answers: mention the problem, explain the role of family/community, and give an example or suggestion.
1. Case: Riya's father works in another city and sends money home. She sees her mother managing everything. Q: How might Riya's family show the economic role of family?
Answer:
Key points
- Family pools income (remittance) to pay for food, education and bills.
- Mother’s management shows decision-making and resource allocation within family.
Example: Using remittance to pay school fees demonstrates economic support function.
2. Case: In a village, elders teach younger people traditional songs. Q: What does this show about culture and family/community?
Answer:
Explanation
- Families and communities pass cultural traditions through oral teaching.
- This keeps identity and customs alive across generations.
Suggestion: Encourage festivals where youngsters perform to keep traditions strong.
3. Case: A flood damages homes. Neighbours share food and shelter. Q: How does this example illustrate community response?
Answer:
Points
- Shows community solidarity and reciprocal support during crises.
- Local leaders coordinate relief and liaise with authorities.
Result: Quick local action reduces suffering before outside help arrives.
4. Case: A family celebrates two religions' festivals together. Q: What does this teach about communal harmony?
Answer:
Explanation
- Interfaith celebrations promote respect and reduce prejudice.
- Such family practices influence wider community tolerance.
Example: Neighbours joining each other's festivals builds friendly relations.
5. Case: The local school organises a meeting for parents about cleanliness. Q: How do institutions connect families to governance?
Answer:
Explanation
- Schools act as places for public discussion and spread civic messages.
- They help implement government schemes like sanitation drives.
Suggestion: Parents can form committees to oversee cleanliness in school premises.
6. Case: A young man returns after studying in a city and helps start a library in his village. Q: What role of community does this reflect?
Answer:
Points
- Shows knowledge transfer and community improvement through educated youth.
- Families encouraging education leads to long-term community benefits.
Result: Better access to books improves learning for many children.
7. Case: A family's daughters are discouraged from school. Q: How will this affect the community?
Answer:
Impact
- Limits skilled workforce and women's participation in governance.
- Perpetuates gender inequality across the community.
Suggestion: Community programmes and role models can encourage girls' education.
8. Case: Neighbours form a group to repair the local well. Q: What does this show about collective action?
Answer:
Explanation
- Collective action demonstrates shared responsibility and social capital.
- It reduces cost and speeds up maintenance of local resources.
Example: Regular maintenance keeps water clean and available for all families.
9. Case: A family teaches children to vote and discuss local issues at home. Q: How does this strengthen democracy?
Answer:
Points
- Values like participation and debate prepare responsible voters.
- Informed families lead to better choices during elections and accountability.
Result: Active citizens improve governance quality.
10. Case: Several families share a common courtyard to grow vegetables. Q: How does this affect social relations?
Answer:
Explanation
- Shared resources promote cooperation and daily interaction among families.
- Helps build trust, mutual assistance and social capital.
Example: Harvests are shared, and advice on cultivation is exchanged.
11. Case: A family refuses to help a marginalised neighbour. Q: What negative impact does this have on the community?
Answer:
Consequences
- Increases social exclusion and weakens trust between groups.
- Can lead to conflicts and reduce cooperation in community tasks.
Suggestion: Awareness and inclusive practices are needed to build stronger communities.
12. Case: During elections, people gather in the school ground to discuss candidates. Q: Why is this important?
Answer:
Importance
- Public discussion helps citizens compare candidates and issues.
- Facilitates informed voting and community engagement in governance.
Result: Transparent discussions reduce misinformation and encourage fair elections.
13. Case: A family starts saving money for their daughter's higher education. Q: What function of family is shown?
Answer:
Function
- Economic planning and investment in future human capital (education).
- Shows family’s role in securing better opportunities for children.
Impact: Education leads to improved social mobility and community development.
14. Case: A community organises a health camp with an NGO. Q: What does this show about local partnerships?
Answer:
Explanation
- Partnerships fill gaps where government services may be limited.
- NGOs and community institutions can bring expertise and resources locally.
Result: Better health outcomes and stronger trust between community and service providers.
15. Case: A father disciplines his children for lying. Q: How does this relate to social control?
Answer:
Relation
- Family uses rules and discipline to teach acceptable behaviour—an example of social control.
- Community norms and feedback reinforce these lessons publicly.
Impact: Helps maintain order and trust within society.
16. Case: Migrant workers send letters describing city jobs, encouraging others to move. Q: How does migration information flow affect communities?
Answer:
Effects
- Information spreads knowledge about opportunities and changes migration patterns.
- Remittances and ideas brought home can change family aspirations and local economy.
Suggestion: Communities should plan for changes—education, skill training and support networks.
17. Case: A village forms a committee to ensure all children attend school. Q: What community function is this?
Answer:
Function
- Shows the community’s role in social welfare and promoting education.
- Collective monitoring improves school attendance and enrolment.
Result: Better education outcomes and stronger civic participation.
18. Case: A family teaches children to respect elders and help neighbours. Q: How does this influence governance?
Answer:
Influence
- Such values create citizens who respect laws and participate responsibly.
- Families thus indirectly shape the quality of governance by building civic virtues.
Example: Respectful citizens are more likely to cooperate with public initiatives.
19. Case: Language differences cause misunderstanding between two neighbourhoods. Q: How can families and communities reduce such barriers?
Answer:
Solutions
- Promote bilingual education and cultural exchanges to build understanding.
- Organise joint events and translation help in public meetings.
Result: Better communication improves cooperation and access to services.
20. Case: Youth organise a cleanliness drive after seeing garbage near their homes. Q: What does this reveal about youth participation?
Answer:
Points
- Youth bring energy and innovation to community problems.
- Their leadership can inspire families and institutions to act.
Suggestion: Support youth initiatives through local resources and mentorship for lasting impact.