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Part-II Social Change and Development in India
Class 12 Sociology Chapter 10 Change and Development in Urban Society
Textual Questions & Answers
1. Choose any one occupation that you see around you and describe it on the basis of the following aspects.
(a) Social composition of the workforce – caste, gender, age, religion.
(b) How the labour process is carried out.
(c) Wages and other facilities.
(d) Environmental protection at the workplace, rest time, working hours, etc.
Ans: Selected Occupation: Brick kiln workers
(a) Social composition of the workforce (caste, gender, age, religion) In brick kilns, people from rural areas who are landless or possess very little land usually work. Most workers belong to the lower-income group and often come from the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes.
Gender: Both men and women work; women labourers perform equal work but often receive lower wages.
Age: Workers mostly belong to the age group of about 18–50 years; in some cases, adolescents are also involved.
Region: Many workers migrate from other states.
Religion: People from different religions are present, but economic condition is the main determining factor.
(b) Labour process
Soil is collected and mixed with water, then placed into moulds to make bricks. After that, the bricks are dried in the sun and later baked in the kiln to make them strong. The work is generally done collectively—some prepare the soil, some fill the moulds, some carry the bricks, and others bake them in the kiln.
(c) Wages and other facilities
In most cases, wages are paid either on a daily basis or on a piece-rate basis (according to the number of bricks produced, such as per thousand bricks). Social security, medical facilities, or pensions are generally not
available. Sometimes the owner provides advance money, which may lead workers into debt bondage.
(d) Working environment
Workers usually have to work long hours (about 10–12 hours a day). There is intense heat, dust, and smoke. Safety measures are limited. Rest time is short and health risks are high.
Or
2. Describe the social composition of workers engaged in brickmaking, beedi making, software engineering, or mining as mentioned in the passage. In what kind of environment do they work, and what facilities do they receive? How might a girl like Madhu think about their work?
Ans: Social composition of beedi workers: In the beedi industry, most workers are women and home-based labourers. In many cases, they belong to lower-income groups, minority communities, or socially backward castes. The work is usually done at home.
Environment: Production is home-based; leaves and tobacco are collected, and beedis are rolled and supplied to companies.
Facilities: Wages are paid according to the number of beedis produced(per thousand beedis). There is no permanent employment, and health problems, such as respiratory diseases, are common.
Viewpoint of a girl like Madhu: She may see this work as a necessary means of livelihood, but she may also wish to pursue education and move into another occupation. Because the work is difficult and the wages are low, she may not consider it a permanent solution.
3. What impact has the policy of liberalization had on employment patterns in India?
Ans: The policy of liberalization in India has had several effects on employment patterns. After the introduction of economic liberalization in 1991, significant changes occurred in employment.
Increase in privatization: Employment in the private sector increased compared to the public sector.
Growth of contractual employment: Instead of permanent jobs, contract-based employment has increased.
Expansion of the IT and service sectors: New employment opportunities have been created.
Growth of the unorganized sector: Job security has decreased.
Skill-based labour market: Demand for highly educated and skilled workers has increased.
In summary, liberalization has created new opportunities but has also increased uncertainty regarding job stability and social security.
Additional Questions and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions
1. When did the policy of economic liberalization begin in India?
(a) 1985
(b) 1991
(c) 2000
(d) 1975
Ans: (b)
2. What is the main problem faced by workers in the unorganized sector?
(a) High salary
(b) Job stability
(c) Lack of social security
(d) More holidays
Ans: (c)
3. What work do landless agricultural labourers generally do?(a) Business
(b) Daily wage agricultural work
(c) Government jobs
(d) Establish industries
Ans: (b)
4. Why do migrant workers go to other states?
(a) For travel
(b) For education
(c) In search of livelihood
(d) For political work
Ans: (c)
5. Who constitutes the majority of workers in the beedi industry?
(a) Men
(b) Women
(c) Children
(d) Elderly people
Ans: (b)
6. What is contract-based employment?
(a) Permanent job
(b) Temporary employment for a fixed period
c) Unpaid work
(d) Voluntary work
Ans: (b)
7. What problem is created by excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture?
(a) Increase in production
(b) Increase in soil fertility
(c) Environmental pollution
(d) Increase in rainfall
Ans: (c)
8. What is meant by social mobility?
(a) Changing place
(b) Change of position in society
(c) Changing house
(d) Leaving the country
Ans: (b)
9. Which is an example of the unorganized sector?
(a) IT company
(b) Government school
(c) Brick kiln
(d) National bank
Ans: (c)
10. Which sector has developed more as a result of the policy of liberalization?
(a) Agricultural sector
(b) Service sector
(c) Traditional industry
(d) Handicrafts
Ans: (b)
Short Questions and Answers
1. What is meant by liberalization?
Ans: Liberalization is an economic policy that gives greater freedom to the private sector and strengthens the market system.
2. What is the unorganized sector?
Ans: The sector where workers do not have permanent employment or social security is called the unorganized sector.
3. Who is called a migrant worker?
Ans: A worker who leaves his own place and moves to another place in search of livelihood is called a migrant worker.
4. What is the main problem of agricultural labourers?
Ans: Low wages and uncertain employment.
5. What is social security?
Ans: Facilities such as pension, insurance, and medical services are provided by the government for workers.
6. What is contract-based employment?
Ans: A temporary employment arrangement for a fixed period.
7. Write one reason for the decline of the groundwater level in rural areas.
Ans: Excessive use of groundwater.
8. Mention one health problem in beedi making work.
Ans: Respiratory diseases.
9. Why does social mobility remain limited?
Ans: Due to lack of education and resources.
10. Write one occupation from the unorganized sector.
Ans: Brick kiln worker.
