CBSE Class 10 Social Science India and The Contemporary World – II: Work, Life and Leisure NCERT Solutions

Solution: The population of London experienced significant expansion from the mid-18th century due to two main factors:

1. Job Opportunities: London served as a major hub for industries and its dockyards were expanding. This created a substantial number of job opportunities, attracting people from across England and Wales in search of employment. By 1750, a notable proportion of the population of England and Wales already resided in London.
2. Industrial Growth: Further industrial development, particularly in manufacturing sectors like motor cars and electrical goods, occurred during periods like the First World War. The establishment of more large factories in these burgeoning industries continued to draw people to the city seeking work, sustaining population growth through the 18th and 19th centuries.

Solution: Between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the nature of work available to women in London underwent significant changes, driven primarily by industrial and technological advancements.

In the nineteenth century, many women worked in households, often as domestic servants, or earned income through activities like lodging out rooms, tailoring, washing clothes, or making small items like matchboxes. These were often low-paying jobs catering to the needs of the growing urban population.

The factors leading to these changes included the growth of industries and the increasing demand for services in a rapidly expanding city. However, with the onset of the First World War in the twentieth century, there was a notable shift. Women once again became a crucial part of the industrial workforce, taking up jobs in factories that were vital for the war effort, particularly in manufacturing sectors.

The existence of a large urban population significantly impacts various societal roles and functions. Here's how:

1. A Private Landlord:

   A large urban population means a greater number of individuals require housing. This increased demand for places to live is highly beneficial for private landlords. They can capitalize on the situation by renting out rooms or properties at higher rates, especially to migrants who often have limited options. Historically, in nineteenth-century London, many individual landowners made substantial profits by exploiting the desperate need for accommodation among the city's growing migrant population.

2. A Police Superintendent in charge of law and order:

   A dense urban population often correlates with an increase in social conflicts, crimes, and potential for rebellion. Consequently, a Police Superintendent faces a significantly increased workload in maintaining law and order. In nineteenth-century London, police officers had immense difficulty controlling the rising crime rates amidst the influx of migrants. For instance, by the 1870s, London had an estimated 20,000 criminals, and the police task was complicated by the multiplying numbers of pick-pockets, thieves, and cheats.

3. A Leader of a Political Party:

   Large urban populations bring with them numerous social problems, including inadequate housing, food shortages, and insufficient water supply. These issues can become significant political matters. Leaders of political parties can effectively mobilize the masses by addressing these pressing concerns and championing causes related to them. This strategy was also evident in nineteenth-century London, where political parties could leverage urban social problems to gain support and influence.