Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 9 : Family and Community Notes & Summary in English for CBSE students
CBSE Class 6 Social Science History Chapter 9 Notes & Summary in English for “Family and Community” (based on NCERT Social studies textbook Exploring Society: India and Beyond).
History Chapter 9 – Family and Community Complete Notes
Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Theme D – Governance and Democracy
History Chapter 9: Family and Community
(Complete Notes + Concept-wise Explanation + Summary CBSE Class 6 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond (sst) Book)
Chapter 9: Family and Community – Notes
1. The Big Ideas of the Chapter
This chapter explains:
- Why the family is the basic unit of society
- How families function through love, cooperation and duties (dharma)
- What a community is and how people support one another
- How families and communities are interdependent
2. Family – The Fundamental Unit
A family is the smallest and oldest unit of society. It is where people first learn how to live with others.
Families provide:
- Love and emotional security
- Care and protection
- Food, shelter and clothing
- Learning of values and traditions
The family is often called the first school of life.
3. Types of Families
Joint Family
A joint family includes:
- Grandparents
- Parents
- Uncles and aunts
- Brothers, sisters and cousins
Many generations live together and share responsibilities.
Features
- Strong support system
- Shared work and expenses
- Close relationships
Nuclear Family
A nuclear family usually includes:
- Parents and their children
Sometimes a single parent with children
Features
- Smaller family size
- More independence
- Fewer members to share responsibilities
4. Family Relationships in Indian Culture
Indian languages have many specific terms for relatives.
For example:
- Bua – Father’s sister
- Chacha – Father’s younger brother
- Mausi – Mother’s sister
In many Indian languages, there is no exact word for “cousin” because cousins are treated like real brothers and sisters. This shows the closeness of family bonds.
5. Roles and Responsibilities in the Family
Families work through cooperation. Each member has duties.
Parents
- Provide food, shelter, education
- Teach values and discipline
Children
- Help in household tasks
- Respect elders
- Learn traditions and responsibilities
Grandparents
- Share wisdom and experiences
- Help care for children
- Keep traditions alive
Family members often make sacrifices for each other.
6. Values Learned in the Family
The chapter highlights important Indian values:
- Ahimsa – Non-violence and kindness
- Dāna – Giving and sharing
- Sevā – Service to others
- Tyāga – Sacrifice
These values help family members support one another.
7. Story of Shalini – Lesson on Sharing
Shalini’s family bought clothes for relatives who were facing financial problems. Shalini accepted a simpler dress happily.
Lesson:
Families share resources and support each other in difficult times. Happiness comes from caring, not from luxury.
8. Story of Tenzing – Shared Responsibilities
Tenzing’s father helps in household chores. His parents discuss financial decisions together. Grandparents guide and support him.
Lesson:
- Household work should be shared
- Decisions should be taken together
- Elders play an important role in family life
9. Joint vs Nuclear Families
Why Nuclear Families Are Increasing
- Jobs in cities
- Smaller houses
- Modern lifestyle
- Need for mobility
Advantages of Joint Families
- Emotional and financial support
- Help in childcare
- Strong sense of belonging
Disadvantages of Joint Families
- Less privacy
- Possibility of conflicts
Advantages of Nuclear Families
- Independence
- Easier decision-making
Disadvantages of Nuclear Families
- Less support in emergencies
- Loneliness for elders
10. Community – A Larger Family
A community is a group of families or people connected by:
- Place
- Culture
- Work
- Religion
- Common interests
Communities help people live together peacefully.
11. Functions of a Community
Communities:
- Celebrate festivals together
- Organise weddings and events
- Share natural resources
- Help during farming
- Support people in times of need
Communities also have unwritten rules that members follow.
12. Example: Halma Tradition of the Bhils
The Bhil community in Madhya Pradesh planted trees and built water-harvesting structures without payment.
Lesson:
Community members work for the welfare of society and the environment as a duty.
13. Example: Chennai Floods
During floods, people and organisations cooked and distributed food.
Lesson:
Communities come together in times of disaster to help others.
14. Example: Kamal Parmar (Ahmedabad)
Kamal Parmar taught poor children after work hours and provided them with food.
Values shown
- Compassion
- Service
- Social responsibility
- Importance of education
15. New Types of Communities
Modern communities include:
- Residents’ Welfare Associations
- School clubs
- Religious groups
- Professional groups
- Online communities
They make rules and work for common benefits.
16. Interdependence in Society
No community can function alone. People depend on:
- Farmers for food
- Teachers for education
- Doctors for health
- Sanitation workers for cleanliness
- Shopkeepers for daily needs
This shows interdependence.
Chapter Summary
Family is the foundation of society. It teaches love, cooperation, duty and values. Families may be joint or nuclear, but both aim to support their members.
A community is a larger group where people help one another, share resources and follow common rules. Real-life examples show how communities come together during crises and for social welfare.
Both families and communities are based on mutual support, shared responsibility and interdependence, which are essential for a healthy society.