NCERT Class 12 Sociology Social Change and Development in India: Chapter 7 — Mass Media and Communications
This chapter, "Mass Media and Communication," from NCERT's Class 12 Sociology textbook "Social Change and Development in India," explores the pervasive influence of mass media in contemporary society. It defines mass media as forms like television, newspapers, films, radio, and the internet, which reach vast audiences. The chapter highlights how integral mass media has become to daily life, from waking up to the radio or newspaper to using mobile phones for work and social connections. It prompts reflection on how communication technologies have transformed work, leisure, and social interactions, comparing life with and without modern media. The text emphasizes the role of media in connecting people across distances, including migrants staying in touch with families. It also touches upon the diverse social reach and impact of media, particularly through advertisements.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Sociology |
| Book | Social Change and Development in India |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Mass Media and Communications |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 249 |
Learning outcomes
- Define mass media and mass communication.
- Identify various forms of mass media.
- Analyze the integration of mass media into everyday life.
- Understand the impact of communication technologies on work and leisure.
- Recognize the role of media in maintaining social connections.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mass media | Forms of communication that reach large audiences, such as television, newspapers, and the internet. |
| Mass audiences | Very large numbers of people who consume media content. |
| Mass communications | The process of transmitting information to large, dispersed audiences through various media. |
| Communication technologies | Tools and systems used for transmitting information, including telephones, internet, and mobile phones. |
| Advertisements | Publicity or promotion for a product or service, often seen in mass media. |
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Practice questions
- What are some examples of mass media mentioned in the chapter? Answer: Examples include television, newspapers, films, magazines, radio, advertisements, video games, CDs, and the internet.
- Why are they called 'mass' media? Answer: They are called 'mass' media because they reach mass audiences, comprising very large numbers of people.
- How has the mobile phone changed daily life for service providers in urban centers? Answer: Mobile phones allow plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and other service providers to be easily contacted by customers.
- How do Indians abroad stay connected with people back home? Answer: They keep regular touch with friends and families back home over the Internet and telephone.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT considered a form of mass media in the text?
Explanation: Personal letters are a form of interpersonal communication, not mass media, which targets large audiences.
Q2. The term 'mass media' is used because these forms of communication reach:
Explanation: The defining characteristic of mass media is its ability to reach very large numbers of people simultaneously.
Q3. According to the text, what might younger children in middle-class households check first in the morning?
Explanation: The text specifically mentions that younger children may first glance at their mobile phones to check missed calls.
Q4. Migrants in cities often use which technology to stay in touch with families in villages?
Explanation: The chapter states that migrants from working-class populations in cities are regularly in touch with their families in the villages over the phone.
Q5. The chapter suggests that developments in communication technologies have changed:
Explanation: The activity prompts discussion on how both work and leisure have changed with developments in communication technologies.
Frequently asked questions
What is mass media?
Mass media refers to various forms of communication, such as television, newspapers, radio, and the internet, that are designed to reach large audiences.
Why is it difficult to imagine life without mass media for today's generation?
Mass media and communication technologies are deeply integrated into the daily lives of most people, making it hard to envision activities without them.
How do mass media affect daily routines?
Mass media influences daily routines from waking up (radio, TV, newspaper) to staying connected (mobile phones, internet).
What is the significance of mobile phones for service providers in cities?
Mobile phones enable service providers like plumbers and electricians to be easily contacted by customers, facilitating their work.
How does mass media help maintain relationships across distances?
The internet and telephones allow people, including migrants and those living abroad, to stay in regular touch with friends and family back home.
What does the chapter suggest about the change in work and leisure due to communication technologies?
The chapter suggests that communication technologies have significantly altered both the nature of work and how people spend their leisure time.
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NCERT Class 12 Sociology — Social Change and Development in India — Chapter 7 — Mass Media and Communications. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.