Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Social Science (Sociology) Chapter 9 ‘Work and Economic Life’ textbook Questions and Answers Solution by Expert Teacher. This Chapter Exercise includes Fill in the blanks, Discuss in groups questions and answers.
I Fill in the blanks with suitable words:
- Division of labour leads to Specialization.
- Workers without special training are called Organized Worker.
- Workers who have special training and expertise are called Unorganized Worker.
II) Answer the following in one sentence each:
1.) What is ‘Division of labour’?
Division of labour means work being done by people depending on their interests, tastes, abilities, age, expertise, skills and gender.
2.) What is ‘paid work’?
Work that provides wages, salary or any other material benefit is called ‘paid work’.
3.) What is the meaning of ‘Unemployment’?
Unemployment means inability to get work in spite of proper age, ability and interest.
4.) What are the reasons for unemployment?
Over-population, mechanization, too much division of labour, Social inequality, insufficient capital and illiteracy are the causes for unemployment.
5.) What are the effects of unemployment?
Unemployment leads to poverty, ill-health, crimes, corruption, family disintegration, cheating, deception, robbery, prostitution etc. This is a serious social malady.
III Discuss the following in groups and answer them:
1.) Explain the nature of discrimination in labour.
Inequality at work and in wages is called labour discrimination. Although both men and women are engaged in work, their jobs may not be the same. In most countries of the world including India, men are offered better jobs. Similarly, higher responsibilities and remuneration are also extended. Women get lesser responsibilities and remuneration. However, in the governmental sector, discrimination is rare. It is found more in the unorganized sector. There is another form of discrimination regarding the work of men and women. Nowadays, women are taking up employment in huge numbers. However, there is discrimination in the remuneration given to them. Though they do exactly the same kind of work as men, the fact that they are being paid less is nothing but exploitation. To put an end to this problem, the Central Government enacted the Equal Wages Act in 1976. In the organized sectors of major cities, this sort of discrimination is coming down. Even the agricultural sector practices discrimination based on gender, age and ability. Here too, there is inequality in the payment of wages. As literacy is slowly improving, this kind of discrimination is coming down.
2.) What are the measures for removal of unemployment?
To tackle the problem of unemployment, the government has planned many programs. They are: population control, encouragement to cottage industries, agricultural development, industrial development, educational reforms, five-year plans, encouragement to vocational education, rural development, employment-guarantee programs etc. In recent years, information technology has made significant progress in the country resulting in innumerable employment opportunities in the service sector.
“OR”
Addressing unemployment requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses various measures. Firstly, promoting skill development and education to match the evolving job market is crucial, ensuring individuals possess the skills needed for available positions. Secondly, fostering a business-friendly environment with incentives for entrepreneurship can stimulate job creation. Additionally, targeted government programs can provide temporary relief through unemployment benefits and job training initiatives. Encouraging investment in infrastructure projects and green technologies can also spur employment opportunities. Furthermore, international cooperation to bolster global trade can open up new markets and generate jobs. Finally, continuous monitoring and adjustment of policies to adapt to changing economic conditions are essential for sustained unemployment reduction.
3.) What are the differences between organized and unorganized workers?
Organised Workers : Those who are working in specific fields which are governed by legal rules and regulations are called Organized workers. In the organized sector, every employee’s work is subject to specific terms and conditions. In the organized sector, there is organizational hierarchy. The workers enjoy facilities of specialization, training, talent, experience and educational qualifications. These employees’ day to day transactions are recorded in written form. They get fixed wages, allowances, paid leave and pension facilities. In addition, they get medical facilities too. They have specific hours of work. The workers in insurance companies, educational institutions, banks, armed forces, private companies, government departments are identified as organised workers.
Unorganised Workers : People who work in areas which are not governed by specific rules and regulations or unions, and lead their lives by earning daily wages or material benefit in any other form, are called unorganized workers. Since the unorganized sector is very vast, it is not under governmental control. For ex: domestic servants, construction workers, agricultural laborers, footpath hawkers, vehicle repairers, push-cart vegetable vendors etc., also come under this group.
IV) Activity :
1.) Make a list of organised and unorganised labourers in your area.
In my area, there are both organized and unorganized laborers contributing to the local workforce. Organized laborers are typically affiliated with various labor unions and associations, such as construction workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and government employees. They benefit from collective bargaining, job security, and regulated working conditions. On the other hand, unorganized laborers include street vendors, agricultural workers, domestic helpers, and casual laborers in small businesses. They often lack formal contracts, job stability, and social security benefits, making them more vulnerable to exploitative working conditions. The presence of both organized and unorganized laborers highlights the diversity and complexity of the labor market in our area, and underscores the need for equitable labor policies and protections for all workers.
V) Project :
1.) Conduct an Interview with unorganised labourers and prepare a report about their problems.
I conducted interviews with several unorganized laborers, and their accounts paint a troubling picture of the challenges they face. These workers, often engaged in informal and low-paying jobs, struggle with precarious employment conditions, lack of job security, and inadequate access to basic labor rights such as health and safety protections. Many of them mentioned long working hours without overtime pay, inadequate wages that fail to cover basic living expenses, and limited access to social benefits like healthcare and retirement plans. Moreover, a significant number of laborers highlighted the absence of collective bargaining power and the fear of retaliation for speaking out against exploitative practices. Overall, these interviews reveal a pressing need for improved labor regulations, better working conditions, and increased social support for unorganized laborers to ensure their fair treatment and well-being in the workforce.
Also See: Additional Question and Answer for Karnataka Class 10 Social Science