Family and Community – Long Questions
Family and Community — Long Questions and Answers (Class 6 Social Science)
Here are 30 long-answer type questions with detailed answers on the chapter Family and Community (Theme D — Governance and Democracy). Each answer is written in 100–250 words, includes examples, and uses lists/tables where helpful.
Section A: Family and Its Functions
Q1. Explain the role of family as the first social institution of a child.
Answer: The family is the first institution where a child learns basic values and behavior. Parents and elders teach language, good manners, and moral lessons. For example:
- Language learning: Children first learn to speak and communicate at home.
- Cultural values: Stories, traditions, and festivals help them understand culture.
- Discipline: Family sets rules for behavior, teaching respect and responsibility.
- Emotional growth: A child receives love and care, which builds confidence.
Thus, the family acts as a mini-school that prepares a child for school and society.
Q2. Discuss the different functions of a family in detail.
Answer: A family performs multiple functions that shape individuals:
- Biological function: Ensures reproduction and the upbringing of children.
- Economic function: Provides food, shelter, clothing, and financial stability.
- Emotional function: Gives love, protection, and support.
- Social function: Teaches traditions, customs, and moral values.
- Educational function: Acts as the first school for children.
Families also act as support systems in times of crisis. For example, during illness, families provide care and comfort.
Q3. How does family contribute to the emotional and moral development of children?
Answer: Families are the foundation of emotional and moral growth:
- Emotional Development: Parents offer love and care, which builds self-confidence. Elders comfort children during difficulties.
- Moral Development: Children learn honesty, truthfulness, and respect from family. Stories told by elders often carry moral lessons.
Example: A child who helps in housework learns responsibility and respect for labor. By guiding children in daily life, families prepare them to become good citizens.
Q4. Explain the differences between nuclear, joint, and extended families with examples.
Answer: Families in India exist in different forms:
| Type of Family | Members | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear | Parents and children | A family of four living in a city |
| Joint | Parents, children, grandparents, uncles, cousins | A large family in rural India |
| Extended | Relatives staying close but in separate houses | Cousins and uncles living nearby |
| Each type has advantages and disadvantages. For example, nuclear families give independence, while joint families provide emotional and financial support. |
Q5. How does family prepare individuals for their role in society?
Answer: Families prepare children for social life by:
- Teaching them language and communication skills.
- Helping them understand traditions and culture.
- Assigning duties like helping in household chores.
- Teaching values of discipline, honesty, and cooperation.
Example: A child who respects elders at home will respect teachers and leaders outside. Thus, families act as the foundation of a child’s social character.
Section B: Community and Its Importance
Q6. What is a community, and why is it important?
Answer: A community is a group of families living together, sharing resources, and cooperating for common goals. Communities are important because:
- They provide security and support during emergencies.
- They promote social interaction and cultural exchange.
- They help people celebrate festivals and traditions.
- They build schools, health centers, and other institutions.
For example, in villages, people cooperate in farming and festivals, showing how community life strengthens bonds.
Q7. Compare rural and urban communities in detail.
Answer:
| Feature | Rural Community | Urban Community |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Agriculture | Industries and services |
| Lifestyle | Simple, close-knit | Fast-paced, diverse |
| Population | Small, less crowded | Large, crowded |
| Culture | Traditional, uniform | Modern, varied |
| Rural communities are strong in unity and simplicity, while urban communities provide more opportunities but face challenges like pollution and overcrowding. |
Q8. Explain the role of festivals and cultural events in strengthening communities.
Answer: Festivals and cultural events bring people together regardless of differences. They:
- Promote unity and cooperation.
- Provide joy and entertainment.
- Preserve traditions and cultural values.
- Strengthen economic activities by boosting trade.
Example: Diwali, Eid, and Christmas are celebrated across India, bringing people from different communities together.
Q9. Why are institutions such as schools and health centers important in a community?
Answer: Institutions form the backbone of a community:
- Schools: Provide education and shape future citizens.
- Health centers: Ensure medical care and prevent diseases.
- Religious places: Promote spirituality and unity.
- Community halls: Provide space for meetings and celebrations.
These institutions ensure the well-being and progress of society. For example, a community school educates children and creates awareness about civic duties.
Q10. How do communities help in emergencies and crises?
Answer: Communities provide collective support in emergencies:
- During natural disasters, they share food, water, and shelter.
- Neighbors provide immediate help before official aid arrives.
- Community groups raise funds for victims.
Example: During floods, communities organize relief camps. Such cooperation proves the strength of community living.
Section C: Family, Community, and Governance
Q11. How does family teach democratic values?
Answer: Families introduce children to democracy by:
- Involving them in household decisions.
- Teaching fairness and equality.
- Encouraging responsibilities such as chores.
For example, when parents discuss family purchases with children, it mirrors democratic decision-making.
Q12. Explain how communities prepare individuals for participation in governance.
Answer: Communities teach people collective responsibility:
- Members discuss issues in meetings.
- They learn cooperation and compromise.
- Communities elect leaders, teaching democratic participation.
This prepares individuals to take part in local, state, and national governance.
Q13. What is the role of Gram Sabha in village governance?
Answer: Gram Sabha is a village assembly where all adults participate. Its role includes:
- Discussing village problems.
- Approving development plans.
- Supervising Gram Panchayat work.
For example, it ensures fairness in welfare schemes. Thus, Gram Sabha is the foundation of village democracy.
Q14. Describe the functions of a Gram Panchayat.
Answer: Gram Panchayat is an elected body of villagers. Its functions include:
- Maintaining village roads, water supply, and sanitation.
- Running schools and health centers.
- Implementing government schemes.
- Resolving disputes.
It plays a vital role in improving village life and implementing democratic governance.
Q15. How do municipalities help in city governance?
Answer: Municipalities manage towns and cities. Their functions include:
- Providing street lights and waste disposal.
- Maintaining roads, parks, and public transport.
- Ensuring clean water supply.
- Running hospitals and schools.
They ensure smooth city life, making urban governance effective.
Section D: Values from Family and Community
Q16. How do families promote tolerance and respect?
Answer: Families promote tolerance by teaching children to accept differences in opinions. Respect for elders, teachers, and others is emphasized. For example, when children are encouraged to listen politely, they develop respect and tolerance, essential for democracy.
Q17. Explain how cooperation in families reflects in society.
Answer: Cooperation at home teaches children teamwork. When they share chores or help siblings, they learn to cooperate outside as well. This reflects in schools, workplaces, and governance, where teamwork is essential for success.
Q18. How does a community promote equality?
Answer: Communities treat all members equally regardless of caste, religion, or gender. Public institutions like schools and parks are open to all. For example, Gram Sabha gives equal voting rights to men and women, promoting equality.
Q19. Why is responsibility important in family and governance?
Answer: Responsibility ensures order and fairness. In families, children take responsibility for chores. In governance, leaders are responsible for the people’s welfare. Responsibility builds accountability and strengthens democracy.
Q20. How does cultural preservation happen in communities?
Answer: Communities preserve culture through festivals, folk dances, music, and art. Local fairs and traditions keep heritage alive. For example, Bihu in Assam and Garba in Gujarat preserve unique traditions while promoting unity.
Section E: Exam-Oriented Practice
Q21. How does Panchayati Raj empower rural communities?
Answer: Panchayati Raj empowers villages by:
- Allowing direct participation of villagers in decision-making.
- Providing funds for local development.
- Making leaders accountable to Gram Sabha.
This system ensures self-governance and strengthens democracy at the grassroots.
Q22. Why is local governance important for democracy?
Answer: Local governance ensures people’s voices are heard directly. It solves problems quickly and develops leadership at the community level. For example, sanitation and water supply issues are handled locally, showing practical democracy.
Q23. How do communities create pressure on government?
Answer: Communities raise demands through petitions, protests, or meetings. They form groups to highlight issues like roads, schools, or healthcare. Such collective action makes the government more responsive.
Q24. Explain the link between family, community, and democracy.
Answer: Families teach values like discipline and respect. Communities teach cooperation and equality. Together, they prepare individuals for democratic participation. Democracy is strengthened when families and communities practice fairness and responsibility.
Q25. How do families support education and learning?
Answer: Families motivate children to study, provide financial and emotional support, and guide them in choosing careers. Example: Parents encouraging regular study habits ensures better academic performance.
Q26. What is the role of communities in education?
Answer: Communities establish schools, provide resources, and create awareness. Parent-teacher associations in schools are an example of community involvement in children’s education.
Q27. Explain the role of communities in health and sanitation.
Answer: Communities promote cleanliness drives, set up health centers, and spread awareness about hygiene. For example, during pandemics, communities organize vaccination camps and distribute medicines.
Q28. How does family discipline prepare children for society?
Answer: Families set rules like finishing homework or helping in chores. This discipline teaches time management, responsibility, and obedience to rules, which are essential in schools and governance.
Q29. How do communities preserve democratic values?
Answer: Communities encourage open discussions, voting, and collective decision-making. By practicing fairness and equality, they strengthen democratic ideals.
Q30. Why is the study of family and community important for students?
Answer: Studying family and community helps students understand their role in society and governance. It teaches them the importance of values like respect, cooperation, and equality, preparing them to be responsible citizens.
Conclusion
These 30 long-answer type questions provide comprehensive explanations with examples. They are exam-focused, encourage deeper understanding, and align with CBSE Class 6 Social Science preparation.
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