NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 16 — Who will do this Work?
Chapter 16 of NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book, 'Looking Around,' titled 'Who will do this Work?', explores the societal role and challenges faced by sanitation workers. Through an interview format, the chapter reveals that cleaning jobs are often hereditary, with families performing this work for generations. It highlights the difficulties faced by individuals, even those with college degrees, in securing alternative employment due to societal norms and discrimination. The chapter prompts students to reflect on their responsibility towards cleanliness and to interact respectfully with cleaning staff in their communities. It encourages empathy and understanding of the systemic issues that perpetuate certain occupations. This chapter aims to foster a sense of social responsibility and respect for all types of work.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 16 — Who will do this Work? |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 311 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the societal importance of cleaning jobs.
- Recognize the challenges and discrimination faced by sanitation workers.
- Reflect on the hereditary nature of certain occupations.
- Develop empathy and respect for all types of work.
- Consider personal and community responsibility towards cleanliness.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sanitation | The process of keeping places clean and hygienic, especially by removing waste. |
| Responsibility | A duty or obligation to do something or to care for someone. |
| Discrimination | Unfair treatment of a person or group based on prejudice. |
| Hereditary | Passed down from parent to child through genes or tradition. |
| Occupation | A job or profession. |
| Community | A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. |
| Empathy | The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. |
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Practice questions
- Why do some people continue to do cleaning work even if they have studied further? Answer: They continue because their families have been doing this work for generations, and even with education, they find it difficult to get other jobs.
- What is the responsibility of people towards keeping their surroundings clean? Answer: People have a responsibility to keep their surroundings clean by not littering and by respecting the work of sanitation staff.
- What does the chapter suggest about the difficulties faced by cleaning staff? Answer: The chapter suggests they face societal discrimination and find it hard to get jobs other than cleaning, even with a college degree.
- Why is it important to talk to people who do cleaning jobs? Answer: It is important to understand their lives, challenges, and contributions, and to show respect.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 5 EVS Chapter 16?
The chapter discusses the work of sanitation staff, the challenges they face, and our societal responsibility towards cleanliness and respecting their labor.
Why are cleaning jobs often hereditary according to the chapter?
The chapter explains that for generations, people from certain communities have been doing this work, and societal norms make it difficult for them to find other jobs.
What message does the chapter convey about people who do cleaning jobs?
It conveys a message of empathy, respect, and understanding towards sanitation workers, highlighting their contributions and the difficulties they face.
What activity does the chapter suggest for students?
Students are encouraged to talk with cleaning staff around their homes and schools to understand their work and experiences.
What is the significance of the interview in the chapter?
The interview provides a personal perspective on the challenges and societal perceptions related to cleaning work, making the issue more relatable.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 16 — Who will do this Work?. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.