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Economic and Social Needs: NBSE Class 11 Environment
Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 6 “Economic and Social Needs, and Major Sectors of Development” which is part of NBSE Class 11 Environment Education. However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
Chapter 6 of the textbook discusses the relationship between environment and development, focusing on economic and social needs, as well as major sectors like agriculture and industry. Development is described as the process of achieving positive outcomes, such as higher incomes, better health services, and longer life expectancy. It involves the interaction between people and their environment, including physical, social, and intellectual aspects.
The chapter explains that all developmental activities aim to fulfill human economic needs. Historically, as human civilization evolved, the complexity of economic needs increased, leading to the development of various goods and services, infrastructure, and trade. Economic development is often measured using indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP). These indicators reflect the total output of goods and services and provide a sense of a country’s economic growth. Economic growth is crucial as it directly impacts the quality of life and standard of living.
Social needs are also essential for development, covering areas like health, education, equality, and participation in governance. Economic growth alone does not fulfill all social needs. The chapter highlights how India’s social needs have evolved, especially since the mid-1960s, due to modern medical technology, education, and social reforms.
The chapter also discusses the major sectors contributing to development, particularly agriculture and industry. Agriculture remains vital, especially in India, where it supports the majority of the population and forms the backbone of the economy. Industrial growth, accelerated by the Industrial Revolution, is now the most critical sector for national development. Countries with advanced industries, such as the USA and European nations, are economically strong, while less industrialized countries rely heavily on foreign aid.
Textbook solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. When calculating GDP, one should include only the final goods and exclude the intermediate goods that are used in the production process, in order to avoid
A. inflation
B. statistical bias
C. double counting
D. value-added
Answer: C. double counting
2. Arums, yams, millet, maize, potatoes and sugarcane are principal crops in the state of
A. Punjab
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Kerala
D. Nagaland
Answer: D. Nagaland
3. Durgapur Steel Plant is
A. Private sector industry
B. Public sector industry
C. Both of these
D. None of these
Answer: B. Public sector industry
4. Cultivation method adopted by Naga tribe is
A. Shifting cultivation (Jhum)
B. Dryland cultivation
C. Terrace cultivation
D. Both (a) and (c)
Answer: D. Both (a) and (c)
5. Quality of life refers to
A. Physical growth
B. Health and happiness
C. Availability of goods and services
D. Good education and job, only
Answer: B. Health and happiness
Short Answer Questions
1. Define development?
Answer: Development means attaining desirable results in the form of higher income, longer life-expectancy, lower infant mortality, more education, better health services, etc.
2. State the basic aim of development?
Answer: The basic aim of development is to meet the economic and social needs of man.
3. What is the relationship between development and economic growth?
Answer: Economic growth aims to improve the quality of life of the people. There is a difference between quality of life and standard of living. Quality of life refers to our health and happiness. Standard of life refers to consumption of goods and services which may or may not make us happier and healthier. The standard of life and quality of life depend on development of the economy of a nation or society through economic activities.
4. Give a few examples of social legislations passed in India.
Answer: The government has taken lead in this direction by social legislations. For instance, strict laws have been passed, prohibiting dowry. Any person demanding and accepting dowry can be imprisoned. To provide more facilities for education to women, many separate schools and colleges have been opened for them. A bill for reservation of one-third seats for women in the central and state legislatures is pending in the Parliament. Similar reservations have already been made in Panchayati Raj institutions.
5. List down factors which determine social values.
Answer: The goals that societies and individuals seek are determined by their social needs and values. In the hierarchy of needs, physical survival, security, economic needs and comfort are primary. Vital social needs gain prominence when the physical needs are met. As society prospers by its economic growth, the vital urge for excitement, enjoyment, adventure, changing experience and self-expression become more important factors for social development.
6. What has been done to remove shortage of food in the world?
Answer: In order to overcome the shortage of food in the world, improved methods of farming are being adopted and adapted to increase the production of foodgrains all over the world. Technological development in agriculture is making it a major sector of development.
7. What does industry mean?
Answer: Industry consists of a group of firms all producing similar goods or services. For example, all car manufacturing firms together make up the car industry.
8. What are the different methods of cultivation, among the ‘Naga’ tribes?
Answer: The two methods of cultivation among the Naga tribes are shifting cultivation (Jhum) and terrace cultivation.
Long Answer Questions
1. How does a society develop?
Answer: Society develops in response to the contact and interaction between human beings and their material and social and intellectual environment. The inclusion of external threats, the pressure of physical and social conditions, the mysteries of physical nature, and the complexities of human behaviour to experiment, create, and innovate are some of the facets of development.
2. Differentiate between and give examples wherever necessary:
(a) GDP and GNP.
Answer:
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the total output of goods and services to final economic use by an economy by both residents and non-residents, regardless of the allocation to domestic and foreign claims. It does not include deductions for depreciation of physical capital or depletion and degradation of natural resources.
- GNP (Gross National Product) comprises GDP plus net factor income from abroad, which is the income residents receive from abroad for factor services (labour and capital), less similar payments made to non-residents who contribute to the domestic economy.
(b) Standard of life and quality of life.
Answer:
- Standard of life refers to the consumption of goods and services which may or may not make us happier and healthier.
- Quality of life refers to our health and happiness.
(c) Private sector and public sector.
Answer:
- Private sector refers to the units or industries owned and managed by individuals or a group of individuals. For example, Tata Iron and Steel Company, Reliance Industries.
- Public sector industries or units are owned and managed by the state or its agencies like Durgapur Steel Plant, Bharat Heavy Electricals, etc.
3. Discuss with examples how social needs of the Indian society are being met.
Answer: Development is taking place in India related to health, gender equality, literacy, poverty alleviation and the like to meet the social needs of the Indian society. These developments, though not essentially a part of economic needs, are nevertheless no less important to change the face of the Indian society. The government has taken lead in this direction by social legislations. For instance, strict laws have been passed, prohibiting dowry. Any person demanding and accepting dowry can be imprisoned. To provide more facilities for education to women, many separate schools and colleges have been opened for them. A bill for reservation of one-third seats for women in the central and state legislatures is pending in the Parliament. Similar reservations have already been made in Panchayati Raj institutions.
4. Discuss the scenario of social needs that was obtained in the 1960s in India.
Answer: Until the mid-1960s, economic development in India was almost overshadowed by the explosive growth of population. The introduction of modern medical technology drastically reduced the mortality rate. Beneath the surface, the spread of democratic voting rights, implementation of legislations to eradicate caste privileges, and rising level of education were breaking down traditional barriers, generating national pride, releasing social energy, creating awareness of possibilities, and preparing the society for its next stage of social development.
5. Write a note on the significance of agriculture for the Indian economy.
Answer: Agriculture has traditionally been the most important sector for India’s development. Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy. It forms the basis of many premier industries of India including the cotton textile, jute, sugar industries, and food processing. Being the largest source of employment and income to millions of people, it provides a vast market for our industrial products. It is because of this paramount significance of agriculture in India’s economy that this sector has been, and continues to be, accorded a pride of place in India’s plans for economic development.
6. What is the special nature of industrial development? Give examples.
Answer: After the Industrial Revolution, industry became the most important sector of development and growth of a national economy. It is, therefore, not surprising that developed countries are the most industrialised countries. In fact, in this age of science and technology, a country’s development is determined largely by its growth in the industrial sector. The world’s richest and developed countries, like the USA, Britain, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Korea, etc., produce a variety of industrial goods and services which they sell internationally for profit and add to their richness. Less industrially developed countries have had less chance to develop their own manufacturing industries. Hence, underdeveloped countries have to depend heavily on foreign aid.
7. What are the contributory factors for industrial growth?
Answer: The factors contributing to industrial growth include the availability of natural resources, technological advancements, capital investment, skilled labour, government policies, and infrastructure development. These factors work together to create a conducive environment for industries to grow and thrive.
8. “One of the best things about industries is that they do not stand still.” Explain the statement with relevant examples.
Answer: One of the best things about industries is that they do not stand still. As the population increases, there are more customers, and more products have to be made. As people get more money, they want to buy more and new kinds of things and services. Researchers and inventors are constantly developing new and better products. The horse and buggy were replaced by the automobile. The goose-quill pen gave way to the steel-nib pen, which, in turn, was replaced by gel pen and ballpoint pen. Old-fashioned phonographs were replaced by electric-powered high-fidelity record players. Old industries are changing through discoveries in scientific fields such as electronics and chemistry. Textile industries used to make fabrics only from natural fibres such as wool, cotton, and silk. Now, industries also make great quantities of cloth from synthetics and chemically produced fibres such as nylon.
9. Discuss the status of India in the area of industrial development.
Answer: India is fast catching up with the developed countries in the area of industrial development and economic growth. In many areas, it is emerging as a world leader, for example, in the area of software development. Its software products and trained personnel are increasingly being employed in many advanced countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, and so on. Thus, in the modern age, industry has become the most important sector of development. The time is not far away when industrially backward societies will find it difficult to survive or make progress in other sectors of development.
Think and Answer
Seeking dowry for a marriage is neither socially nor legally desirable.
Answer: From a social perspective, dowry perpetuates gender inequality, often placing financial pressure on the bride’s family and reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women. It can also lead to the mistreatment or exploitation of the bride if the dowry is deemed insufficient.
Legally, many countries, including India, have outlawed the practice of dowry. In India, the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 makes it illegal to give or take dowry. Violating this law can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Therefore, it is important to discourage the practice of dowry, both to comply with the law and to promote a more equitable and just society.
Extras MCQs
1. What is GDP?
A. Total national income
B. Total output of goods and services
C. Total government expenditure
D. Total import and export value
Answer: B. Total output of goods and services
Q. What does GNP include that GDP does not?
A. Depreciation of physical capital
B. Depletion of natural resources
C. Net factor income from abroad
D. Government revenue
Answer: C. Net factor income from abroad
Q. Which of the following is a primary measure of economic development in a country?
A. Life expectancy
B. Standard of living
C. Per capita GDP
D. Social harmony
Answer: C. Per capita GDP
Q. When did economic development in India begin to be overshadowed by population growth?
A. Mid-1950s
B. Mid-1960s
C. Mid-1970s
D. Mid-1980s
Answer: B. Mid-1960s
Q. What does social development primarily focus on besides economic growth?
A. Infrastructure
B. Military strength
C. Non-discrimination and democracy
D. Technology
Answer: C. Non-discrimination and democracy
Q. What does the Naga culture not traditionally include?
A. Working in groups
B. Hunting in groups
C. Factory working culture
D. Learning basketry
Answer: C. Factory working culture
Q. What percentage of people in Nagaland are employed in agriculture?
A. 70%
B. 80%
C. 90%
D. 95%
Answer: C. 90%
Q. Which of the following crops is a primary crop in Nagaland?
A. Wheat
B. Rice
C. Barley
D. Soybeans
Answer: B. Rice
Q. What are the two methods of cultivation used by the Naga tribes?
A. Crop rotation and terrace farming
B. Jhum and terrace cultivation
C. Organic farming and hydroponics
D. Irrigation and monoculture
Answer: B. Jhum and terrace cultivation
Q. Which sector is referred to as the backbone of India’s economy?
A. Industry
B. Agriculture
C. Tourism
D. Commerce
Answer: B. Agriculture
Q. What type of industries are owned and managed by individuals or groups in India?
A. Public sector
B. Cooperative sector
C. Private sector
D. State sector
Answer: C. Private sector
11. Which Indian industry is leading globally in the modern age?
A. Textile
B. Automotive
C. Software development
D. Mining
Answer: C. Software development
Extra Questions and Answers
1. How does society develop?
Answer: Society develops in response to the contact and interaction between human beings and their materials, social, and intellectual environment.
Q. What are some facets of development?
Answer: The inclusion of external threats, the pressure of physical and social conditions, the mysteries of physical nature, and complexities of human behaviour to experiment, create, and innovate are some of the facets of development.
Q. What is the basic aim of development?
Answer: The basic aim of development is to meet the economic and social needs of man.
Q. How did primitive man fulfil his economic needs?
Answer: Primitive man had almost no economic needs to fulfil; hunting was his sole occupation that met his need for food.
Q. How did economic needs evolve as human civilisation developed?
Answer: As human civilisation developed into a complex social life, man needed to meet requirements for food, clothing, housing, energy, manufactured goods, transport and communication services, infrastructure facilities, etc.
Q. What characterises an economically developed society?
Answer: In an economically developed society, people earn higher incomes, and all their requirements for goods and facilities are easily available to them. Even goods not produced domestically are imported because advanced countries can afford to pay for them.
Q. How is the economic development of a country measured?
Answer: Economic development of a country is generally measured in terms of national income and per capita income.
Q. What is GDP, and how is it related to economic growth?
Answer: The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total output of goods and services for final economic use by an economy, by both residents and non-residents. It is a measure of economic growth.
Q. What is the relationship between economic and social needs?
Answer: Economic needs and social needs of a society or country are closely interlinked, but social needs cover a wider area.
Q. Can high economic growth alone fulfil social needs?
Answer: No, high economic growth alone may not fulfil social needs like peace, harmony, non-violence, non-discrimination, and democracy.
Q. What does social development require beyond economic growth?
Answer: Social development requires improvements in areas like health, education, social services, equality, and a sense of participation in policies and programmes.
Q. What role does the government play in social development in India?
Answer: The government in India has taken the lead in social development through social legislations, such as strict laws prohibiting dowry and promoting education for women by opening separate schools and colleges for them.
Q. What is the cultural significance of group activities among the Nagas?
Answer: Traditionally, Nagas work, hunt, eat, and sleep in groups. The Morung is a significant social and cultural institution serving as a basic educational foundation where various traditional skills are taught.
Q. How are social needs related to the process of development?
Answer: Social needs are a major factor in development across various areas of national life, influencing goals that societies and individuals seek based on their social needs and values.
Q. What characterises a developed economy?
Answer: A developed economy is characterised by strides in all sectors, making it self-sufficient to meet its economic and social needs and capable of generating surplus revenue, as seen in the USA and European countries.
Q. What role did agriculture play before the Industrial Revolution?
Answer: Before the Industrial Revolution in Europe in the 18th century, agriculture was the sole sector of an economy that determined the development of a country, with people’s sole occupation being agriculture and allied areas like animal husbandry and horticulture.
Q. What is being done to overcome food shortages globally?
Answer: Improved methods of farming are being adopted and adapted worldwide to increase food production, and technological development in agriculture is making it a major sector of development.
Q. Why is agriculture considered the backbone of India’s economy?
Answer: Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy because it forms the basis of many premier industries, is the largest source of employment and income for millions, and provides a vast market for industrial products.
Q. What is the significance of agriculture in Nagaland?
Answer: In Nagaland, agriculture employs about 90% of the people. Major crops include rice, maize, coffee, cardamom, and tea, with shifting cultivation (Jhum) and terrace cultivation being the primary methods of farming. Forests are also a vital source of income.
Q. What is the basic aim of development?
Answer: The basic aim of development is to meet the economic and social needs of man. All developmental processes and activities aim to meet the economic needs of human society. As human civilization developed gradually into a complex social life, man needed to meet his requirements for food, clothing, and housing. With further sophistication of his life, he needed energy, manufactured goods, transport and communication services, infrastructure facilities, etc. Thus, economic needs of a society are met through development.
Q. How is economic development of a country generally measured?
Answer: Generally, the economic development of a country is measured in terms of national income and per capita income. National income is expressed by such tools as GDP and GNP. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total output of goods and services to final economic use by an economy by both residents and non-residents, regardless of the allocation to domestic and foreign claims. It does not include deductions for depreciation of physical capital or depletion and degradation of natural resources. The GDP is usually divided by the total population, giving the per capita GDP, which provides a yardstick of relative levels of economic growth.
Q. What does Gross National Product (GNP) comprise?
Answer: The Gross National Product (GNP) comprises GDP plus net factor income from abroad, which is the income residents receive from abroad for factor services (labour and capital), less similar payments made to non-residents who contribute to the domestic economy. Economic growth aims to improve the quality of life of the people. There is a difference between the quality of life and standard of living. Quality of life refers to our health and happiness, while the standard of living refers to consumption of goods and services, which may or may not make us happier and healthier.
Q. What is the difference between quality of life and standard of living?
Answer: The difference between quality of life and standard of living lies in their definitions. Quality of life refers to our health and happiness. It is concerned with how well individuals feel in terms of physical and mental well-being. On the other hand, the standard of living refers to the consumption of goods and services, which may or may not make us happier and healthier. The standard of living and quality of life depend on the development of the economy of a nation or society through economic activities.
Q. What is the significance of the Morung in Naga society?
Answer: In Naga society, Morung constitutes a significant social and cultural institution which also serves as a basic educational foundation. Traditionally, Nagas work in groups, hunt in groups, eat in groups, and sleep in groups. Morung plays a crucial role in imparting various skills and knowledge, such as techniques of agriculture, basketry, making weapons, hunting, blacksmithing, folk song, and dance. The girls learn weaving clothes. Like other traditional societies, Nagas also possess rich traditions, value systems, culture, and heritage.
Q. What role do social needs play in the process of development?
Answer: Social needs play a major role in the process of development in various areas of national life. The process of development, even in the limited sphere of social development, is not driven exclusively by material motives or confined to material achievements. The goals that societies and individuals seek are determined by their social needs and values. In the hierarchy of needs, physical survival, security, economic needs, and comfort are primary. As society prospers by its economic growth, the vital urge for excitement, enjoyment, adventure, changing experience, and self-expression becomes more important factors for social development.
Q. How are developed economies different from underdeveloped or developing countries?
Answer: Developed economies, such as the USA and European countries, are self-sufficient in meeting their economic and social needs and generate surplus revenue due to their all-round development across various sectors like agriculture, industry, commerce, and technology. On the other hand, many Asian, African, and South American countries are deficient in their economic growth and hence are called underdeveloped or developing countries. However, some countries from these regions, like India, China, Russia, and Brazil, are fast emerging as world economic powers due to upward development in core sectors of the economy.
Q. What role does agriculture play in the Indian economy?
Answer: Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the Indian economy. It is the backbone of India’s economy and forms the basis of many premier industries, including the cotton textile, jute, sugar industries, and food processing. Agriculture is the largest source of employment and income for millions of people in India and provides a vast market for industrial products. Due to its paramount significance, agriculture continues to be accorded a pride of place in India’s plans for economic development.
Q. What are the primary crops and methods of cultivation among the Naga tribes?
Answer: Among the Naga tribes, the primary crops include rice, maize, coffee, cardamom, and tea, with rice and maize being the main crops. The principal crops also include arums, yams, millet, maize, potatoes, and sugarcane, while vegetable crops consist of melons, cucumbers, spinach, mustard, onions, chillies, carrots, tomatoes, and brinjal. The two methods of cultivation among the Naga tribes are shifting cultivation (Jhum) and terrace cultivation. The forests are also a significant source of income for the Nagas, providing a wide variety of fruits, timber, gum, resin, fibres, and more.
Q. What is the difference between private sector and public sector industries?
Answer: Private sector industries are owned and managed by individuals or a group of individuals. Examples include Tata Iron and Steel Company and Reliance Industries. On the other hand, public sector industries or units are owned and managed by the state or its agencies, such as the Durgapur Steel Plant and Bharat Heavy Electricals. Private sector industries typically focus on profit generation for their owners, while public sector industries aim to serve the broader public interest and contribute to the national economy.
30. How does industrial development contribute to the overall development of a society or country?
Answer: Industrial development contributes to the overall development of a society or country by leading to the growth of more employment, higher income, and better services. As industries evolve and develop, they create more job opportunities and increase the income levels of individuals, which in turn improves the standard of living. Industrial growth also fosters innovation and the development of new products and technologies, which further enhance the economic and social development of a nation. For instance, India is fast catching up with developed countries in the area of industrial development, particularly in software development.
