NCERT Class 12 Home Science Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II: Chapter 6 — Introduction
This chapter, "Communication and Extension," from NCERT's Class 12 Home Science textbook, Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II, explores the vital role of communication and extension in achieving national development, particularly for rural populations. It highlights how these disciplines are crucial for creating awareness, educating, and empowering masses. The chapter discusses the integration of theory and practice in development programs, the influence of mass media, and the increasing sophistication of NGOs in using various communication strategies. It introduces the concept of advocacy for social causes like preventing early marriage and enhancing educational opportunities. The chapter also touches upon the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015 as a global framework for human development, emphasizing the need for communication strategies to support these goals. It concludes by noting the career opportunities available in development communication.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Home Science |
| Book | Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Introduction |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 398 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of communication and extension in national development.
- Analyze the role of mass media and journalism in development processes.
- Comprehend the concept and application of advocacy for social causes.
- Recognize the connection between communication strategies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Identify career opportunities in development communication.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Extension | The process of disseminating information and knowledge to people, especially in rural areas, to promote development. |
| Communication | The process of conveying information, ideas, or feelings through language or other means. |
| Development Programmes | Planned initiatives aimed at improving social, economic, or environmental conditions. |
| Mass Media | Channels of communication that reach a large audience, such as television, radio, and newspapers. |
| Advocacy | The act of supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy. |
| Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | A set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary role of Communication and Extension in India's development efforts? Answer: To create awareness, sensitise, educate, and empower the masses, especially the rural population, to ensure development benefits reach all.
- How do NGOs utilize media and communication strategies? Answer: NGOs have become sophisticated in using a variety of media and communication strategies to share information about their policies and activities.
- Define advocacy in the context of this chapter. Answer: Advocacy means to be an advocate for a cause, supporting it by lobbying governments and building alliances, not in a legal sense but to promote a specific social objective.
- What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Answer: The SDGs are 17 broad, time-bound development goals set by world leaders in 2015 to ensure human development reaches everyone, everywhere.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which discipline is crucial for creating awareness, educating, and empowering masses in India's development efforts?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly states that Communication and Extension are crucial ingredients for promoting development and empowering the masses.
Q2. What is the main purpose of advocacy as described in the chapter?
Explanation: The chapter defines advocacy as supporting a cause, which involves lobbying with governments and multilateral bodies to build alliances and networks.
Q3. In what year were the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by world leaders?
Explanation: The text clearly mentions that 'In the year 2015, world leaders had set seventeen broad timebound development goals.'
Q4. Which sector is increasingly using sophisticated media and communication strategies according to the text?
Explanation: The chapter states, 'Non-governmental organisations have become more sophisticated in using a variety of media and communication strategies.'
Q5. Specializing in Communication and Development prepares students for careers in:
Explanation: The text mentions that specializing in Communication and Development will prepare students to work in the communication and information departments of national and international development agencies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main goal of Communication and Extension in the context of Indian development?
The main goal is to create awareness, sensitise, educate, and empower the masses, ensuring that the benefits of development reach everyone, including the rural population.
How has globalization impacted the need for understanding development issues?
With globalization, there is an increased need to understand international development issues and sensitise society about the needs of the disadvantaged.
What does 'advocacy' mean in this chapter's context?
Advocacy means to be an advocate for a cause, supporting it by lobbying governments and building alliances, rather than in a legal sense.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The SDGs are 17 global development goals set in 2015 by world leaders, providing a framework for the international community to work towards ensuring human development reaches everyone.
What kind of career opportunities does specializing in Communication and Development offer?
It prepares students for roles in communication and information departments of national and international development agencies, extension services, or independent careers in development communication.
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NCERT Class 12 Home Science — Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part II — Chapter 6 — Introduction. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.