CBSE Class 7 Social & Political Life - II Chapter 4: Growing up as Boys and Girls NCERT Solutions

1. True. Different societies have varying perspectives on the roles assigned to boys and girls. For instance, in patriarchal societies like most of India, men are traditionally seen as the heads of the family responsible for decisions. Conversely, in matriarchal societies, such as some communities in the Samoan islands, women hold leadership positions and titles.

2. False. Our society frequently makes distinctions between boys and girls as they grow up. This is evident in the types of toys given to them (e.g., dolls for girls, cars for boys), expectations about their clothing, the games they are encouraged to play, and how they are expected to behave (e.g., girls speaking softly, boys being tough).

3. False. It is a misconception that women who stay at home do not work. They are responsible for managing the household, which involves numerous tasks that are essential for the family's well-being. On average, women often spend more time on household work than men, even though this work is not typically compensated with income.

4. True. Typically, men are primarily responsible for earning income to support the household, and their work is often valued more highly than the domestic labor performed by women. Tasks like childcare and managing the home are usually women's responsibilities, and this work is less valued compared to men's outdoor or income-generating activities.

Invisible: This means that the work is not easily noticed or recognized by others. For example, the daily preparation of meals for the family, which involves planning, cooking, and serving, is often taken for granted and not seen as significant labor, even though it requires considerable effort and time.

Physically demanding: This refers to work that requires a lot of physical strength and exertion. An example from household tasks is washing clothes by hand or scrubbing dishes, which can be tiring and require significant physical effort.

Time consuming: This means that the work takes up a large amount of time to complete. For instance, cleaning the entire house, including sweeping, mopping, dusting, and organizing, can be a lengthy process that occupies a substantial part of the day.

Toys and Games List:

• Boys typically play with: Toy cars, action figures, building blocks, sports equipment (like bats, balls), video games.
• Girls typically play with: Dolls, kitchen sets, drawing and coloring materials, board games, dress-up clothes.

Reasons for Differences: These differences often stem from societal expectations and stereotypes. From a young age, children are often encouraged to play with toys that are considered 'appropriate' for their gender. For example, dolls might be associated with nurturing and domestic roles for girls, while toy cars or action figures might be linked to adventure or building, seen as more suitable for boys. These distinctions are reinforced through advertising, parental choices, and peer influence.

Relationship to Adult Roles: Yes, this can have a relationship to the roles children are expected to play as adults. If girls are consistently encouraged to play with dolls and kitchen sets, it might subtly prepare them for roles related to childcare and household management. Conversely, if boys are encouraged to play with building toys or engage in competitive games, it might align with expectations of them being providers, builders, or leaders. These early experiences can shape aspirations and perceptions of what is considered 'normal' or 'suitable' work and behavior for men and women in adulthood.