Class 6 Social Science Question Answers Chapter 13

The Value of Work

Question 1. How are economic activities different from non-economic activities?

Answer: 

• Economic activities are those that involve money or are performed in exchange for money or money’s worth. Examples include selling goods, providing services, and earning wages.
• Non-economic activities do not generate income but are done out of feelings like love, care, respect, or gratitude, such as parents cooking for the family or volunteering.

Question 2. What kind of economic activities do people engage in? Illustrate with examples.

Answer: People engage in various economic activities such as a business person selling school bags in the market, a lawyer arguing a case and earning a fee, a truck driver transporting goods, or workers employed in a car manufacturing factory. These activities involve money and contribute to the economy.

Question 3. There is great value attached to people who are engaged in community service activities. Comment on this statement.

Answer: Community service activities, though often non-economic, are highly valued because they contribute to the welfare of society. For example, activities like Sevā (selfless service), organizing community kitchens, and participating in cleanliness drives foster a sense of satisfaction, gratitude, and social responsibility. These actions help build a stronger, more cohesive community and enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.

Question 4. What are the various ways in which people are compensated for various economic activities? Give some examples.

Answer: People are compensated in different ways while performing an economic activity. These are:

• Wages: The type of cash payment made to workers for working for – a short period of time.
• Salaries: The type of payment made to permanent workers on monthly basis is called Salary.
• Fee: The type of payment made to an individual or an organisation in exchange of professional advice or service. For example: fee charged by a tutor, doctor or a lawyer.
• Payment in Kind is the non-cash payment given for a small work. For example giving part of farm output to the labourer working in the farm.
• Profits: Big companies earn profits from running a business.
• Rent: Landowners earn rent on the land owned by them.

The Big Questions (Page 183)

Question 1. What are the different types of activities that people engage in?

Answer: Different types of activities: People engage in both economic activities and non-economic activities.

• Economic activities involve earning money, such as working in a shop, being a software engineer, or farming.
• Non-economic activities include tasks done out of love, care, or service, like cooking for the family, volunteering, or caring for elders.

Question 2. What is their contribution to our everyday lives?

Answer: Contribution to our everyday lives: Economic activities are crucial as they help people earn money and sustain their livelihoods. Non-economic activities, though they don’t involve earning money, are equally important as they contribute to personal well-being, social welfare, and the overall quality of life.

Think About It (Page 187)

Question 1. When Kabir’s grandfather voluntarily teaches the neighbourhood kids for free, is that an economic activity or a non-economic activity? How is it different from your teachers teaching you at school? Discuss with your classmates.

Answer: Kabir’s grandfather teaching for free is a non-economic activity because it is done voluntarily without any payment. This differs from teachers at school who are paid for their services, making their work an economic activity.

Question 2. What are some non-economic activities that are important to you and your family? Why are they valuable?

Answer: Non-economic activities important to my family might include cooking meals together, helping with household chores, or caring for younger siblings. These activities are valuable because they strengthen family bonds, provide emotional support, and contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of the family.

Think About It (Page 189)

Question 1. On your way from home to school today, can you recall the various economic activities that people are engaged in? In what ways do you think those people are paid?

Answer: On the way from home to school, people might be engaged in various economic activities like selling goods at a market, driving buses, or working in construction. These people are typically paid in different ways, such as receiving a salary, hourly wages, or payment in kind (goods or services instead of money).

Think About It (Page 193)

Question 1. Many communities in India have similar practices that involve community participation. Can you identify a few from your area?

Answer: Community participation practices: Examples include organizing cleanliness drives, tree plantation campaigns, and running community kitchens or “langars” in local temples or gurudwaras.

Question 2. We celebrate many festivals in India. During these festivals, people gather to organise all the    various activities. They decorate the place together and share the food that they cook. Are these non-economic activities? Why do you think they still hold value?

Answer: Festival activities: Yes, these are non-economic activities because they are done out of joy, tradition, and community spirit rather than for money. They hold value as they strengthen social bonds, preserve cultural traditions, and foster a sense of belonging.

Question 3. Can you identify community programmes that have been undertaken by your school or in your locality? What did you observe during these programmes?

Answer: Community programs: Examples include cleanliness campaigns, health awareness drives, or charity events organized by the school. During these programs, I observed that students and residents worked together, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.