NCERT Class 12 Home Science Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I: Chapter 6 — Work, Livelihood and Career
This chapter, "Work, Livelihood and Career," from NCERT's Class 12 Home Science textbook, Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I, introduces the discipline of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). It highlights the importance of studying personal development across the lifespan and the role of HDFS professionals in providing effective services. The chapter discusses various names for the discipline at the college level, such as Child Development and Human Ecology, emphasizing their core similarities. It suggests that a career in HDFS is ideal for individuals interested in interpersonal relationships and self-reflection. The text outlines that HDFS professionals work with diverse age groups, focusing on areas like early childhood development, counselling, and educational interventions, preparing students for meaningful careers in this field.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Home Science |
| Book | Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Work, Livelihood and Career |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 473 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the scope and importance of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS).
- Identify different names and perspectives of HDFS at the college level.
- Recognize the suitability of HDFS careers for individuals interested in relationships and self-reflection.
- Explore various career paths and interventions within the HDFS domain.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) | A discipline focused on studying the changes in individuals throughout their lifespan and providing services to people of different ages and needs. |
| Lifespan development | The study of changes that occur in individuals from birth through old age. |
| Interpersonal relationships | The connections and interactions between people. |
| Self-reflection | The process of thinking about one's own thoughts, feelings, and actions. |
| Interventions | Actions taken to improve a situation or outcome, often in areas like education or health. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary focus of studying Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS)? Answer: HDFS focuses on studying the changes that take place in a person as they grow up and learning ways to provide effective services for people at different ages and with different needs.
- Name some alternative names for the HDFS discipline at the college level. Answer: At the college level, HDFS is referred to by names such as Child Development, Human Development and Childhood Studies, and Human Ecology.
- What personal qualities are beneficial for a career in HDFS? Answer: A career in HDFS is suitable for those drawn towards understanding interpersonal relationships and comfortable discussing these issues. A fair degree of honest self-reflection is also important.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is a common name for the HDFS discipline at the college level?
Explanation: The text mentions Child Development as one of the names for the HDFS discipline at the college level.
Q2. The HDFS discipline helps develop abilities to work with individuals and groups across which span?
Explanation: The chapter states that the HDFS discipline helps develop abilities to work with individuals and groups across the life span, from the very young to the old.
Q3. What does the National Curriculum Framework (2005) emphasize regarding ethnic groups, languages, religions, and communities?
Explanation: According to the National Curriculum Framework (2005), all ethnic groups, languages, religions, and communities are regarded as equal.
Q4. Which of these is NOT mentioned as a focus for organizations and programs within the HDFS field?
Explanation: The text lists child development, counselling services, and educational interventions as focus areas, but not solely economic development.
Frequently asked questions
What is Human Ecology and Family Sciences (HDFS)?
HDFS is a discipline that studies the changes occurring in individuals throughout their lives and equips professionals to provide effective services to people of varying ages and needs.
What are some alternative names for HDFS at the college level?
At the college level, HDFS can be called Child Development, Human Development and Childhood Studies, or Human Ecology.
Who is a career in HDFS particularly suitable for?
It is suitable for individuals who are interested in understanding interpersonal relationships and are comfortable with self-reflection.
What kind of work do HDFS professionals do?
They work with individuals and groups across the lifespan, focusing on areas like early childhood development, counselling, and educational interventions.
What does the National Curriculum Framework (2005) state about different communities?
It states that all ethnic groups, languages, religions, and communities are regarded as equal.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 Home Science — Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I — Chapter 6 — Work, Livelihood and Career. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.