Family and Community – Detailed Explanation
Family and Community — Role in Society and Governance (Class 6 Social Science)
Introduction
The chapter Family and Community under Theme D — Governance and Democracy explains how the family forms the foundation of social life and how communities influence governance structures. For Class 6 CBSE Social Science students, this chapter builds an understanding of social relationships, responsibilities, and how small social units contribute to the functioning of larger democratic institutions. This description aims to provide a detailed, exam-oriented explanation aligned with NCERT guidelines.
The Role of Family in Society
The family is the first and most basic unit of society. It is where every individual learns values, traditions, and responsibilities.
Functions of the Family
- Biological Function: Provides for reproduction and care of children.
- Social Function: Socializes children by teaching customs, traditions, and moral values.
- Economic Function: Shares resources, ensures livelihood, and divides responsibilities.
- Emotional Function: Provides love, care, security, and emotional support.
- Educational Function: Acts as the child’s first school by teaching basic habits, manners, and language.
Types of Families
- Nuclear Family: Parents and their children living together.
- Joint Family: Parents, children, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins living together.
- Extended Family: Families connected across different households but bound by close ties.
Importance of Family
- Shapes the character and personality of an individual.
- Acts as a support system in times of need.
- Provides a sense of identity and belonging.
- Prepares children to be responsible citizens.
The Concept of Community
A community is a larger group of families and individuals living together, sharing resources, and cooperating for common goals.
Characteristics of a Community
- Shared Identity: Members share a sense of belonging.
- Common Interests: Collective celebrations, festivals, and events.
- Cooperation: Helping each other in times of need.
- Institutions: Schools, health centers, and religious places that serve the community.
Types of Communities
- Rural Community: Based on agriculture, simple lifestyle, close relationships.
- Urban Community: Based on industries, modern lifestyle, diverse population.
- Virtual Community: Online networks and digital connections in today’s world.
Importance of Community
- Builds social harmony and cooperation.
- Ensures security and support in daily life.
- Provides platforms for cultural expression.
- Strengthens democracy by nurturing participatory values.
Family and Community: A Comparison Table
| Aspect | Family | Community |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small (parents and children) | Large (many families) |
| Role | Provides care and upbringing | Provides social security and identity |
| Responsibility | Individual-focused | Collective-focused |
| Teaching | Values, manners, traditions | Cooperation, participation, tolerance |
The Role of Family and Community in Governance
Family and community are not only social units but also building blocks of governance and democracy.
How Family Shapes Governance
- Instills values of discipline and responsibility.
- Teaches children about rights and duties.
- Encourages participation in decision-making within the household.
How Community Influences Governance
- Communities organize local meetings to discuss problems.
- They create pressure groups to demand facilities like roads, schools, or healthcare.
- Panchayats and municipalities emerge from communities to manage governance.
Community and Local Self-Government
The chapter highlights how communities influence governance structures through local self-government.
Rural Governance — Panchayati Raj
- Gram Sabha: Village assembly where all adults participate.
- Gram Panchayat: Elected body that makes decisions for the village.
- Functions: Maintenance of water, roads, schools, sanitation.
Urban Governance — Municipalities
- Municipal Council: Governs small towns.
- Municipal Corporation: Governs big cities.
- Functions: Street lights, waste management, public parks, transport.
Importance of Local Governance
- Direct participation of community members.
- Immediate solutions to local problems.
- Promotes democratic values at the grassroots.
Values Taught by Family and Community
- Tolerance: Accepting different views and practices.
- Respect: Honoring elders, teachers, and leaders.
- Cooperation: Working together for common good.
- Equality: Treating everyone fairly.
- Responsibility: Sharing duties within the family and community.
Relevance to CBSE Class 6 Exams
Students should focus on:
- Definitions: Family, community, governance.
- Functions of family and community.
- Panchayati Raj and local governance.
- Short questions on types of families and communities.
- Long questions on the role of family and community in democracy.
- MCQs on institutions like Gram Sabha, Municipalities.
Sample Exam-Oriented Questions
Short Questions:
- Define nuclear family.
- What is the role of Gram Sabha?
Long Questions:
- Explain the functions of a community in shaping governance.
- Discuss the importance of family in instilling democratic values.
MCQs:
- Which of the following is a joint family? (Options given)
- Who governs a big city? (Options: Panchayat, Municipal Corporation, etc.)
How to Prepare for Exams
- Read NCERT textbook carefully.
- Make short notes for quick revision.
- Practice MCQs and objective questions.
- Answer writing practice for long questions.
- Use diagrams/tables in answers for better presentation.
Conclusion
Family and community form the base of every society. They shape an individual’s values, prepare responsible citizens, and ensure harmony in social life. These social units also influence governance through local self-government and democratic participation. For CBSE Class 6 Social Science, this chapter is essential to understand how personal and collective responsibilities shape a nation’s governance.
Key Takeaways
- Family teaches values, culture, and responsibility.
- Community ensures cooperation, harmony, and governance.
- Panchayati Raj and Municipalities represent community governance.
- Family and community prepare individuals for active participation in democracy.
- Understanding this chapter helps students build a strong foundation for civics and governance.
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