Chapter 4: Growing up as boys and girls

These NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 4 notes explain how boys and girls are treated differently in society from a young age. The chapter helps students understand that these differences are not natural but are created by social rules and expectations.

Growing up as Boys and Girls discusses the meaning of gender, socialisation, gender roles at home and outside, and the unequal opportunities faced by girls in education and work. It also shows how education can change gender roles over time.

This chapter helps students understand gender inequality and the importance of equal opportunities in a democratic society.

1. Introduction: Why boys and girls are treated differently

• From childhood, boys and girls are treated differently in society.
• These differences are not natural; they are created by society.
• Society decides what boys should do and what girls should do.
• These differences lead to gender inequality.
• Biology makes us male or female, but society decides our roles.

2. Meaning of gender

• Gender refers to social roles given to men and women.
• These roles are learned, not born with.
• Girls doing household work while boys play outside is an example of gender roles.

3. Socialisation of boys and girls

• Socialisation means learning behaviour from family, school, and society.
• Boys are encouraged to be strong and independent.
• Girls are expected to be caring and obedient.
• Girls are often discouraged from playing outdoor games.

4. Gender roles in daily life

A. Inside the home

• Household work is done mainly by women.
• This work is unpaid and often ignored.
• Cooking, cleaning, and caring for children are common examples.

B. Outside the home

• Men are seen as breadwinners.
• Women face fewer job opportunities.
• There are fewer women in technical or leadership roles.

5. Gender inequality in work

• Women face a double burden of work.
• Women work both at home and outside.
• Both types of work are exhausting.
• A woman teacher doing household chores after school is an example.

6. Gender inequality in education

• In many families, boys’ education is prioritised.
• Girls often drop out of school early.
• Girls are asked to help at home instead of going to school.

7. Changing role of women

• Education is changing women’s lives.
• Women are entering new professions.
• Women doctors, women pilots, and women scientists are examples.
• Gender roles can change with education and awareness.

8. Indian examples from daily life

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme promotes girls’ education.
• Girls are participating in sports and defence services.
• Female literacy is increasing in India.

9. Important keywords with simple meanings

• Gender – social roles given to men and women.
• Socialisation – the process of learning behaviour from society.
• Gender roles – work and behaviour expected from boys and girls.
• Double burden – women doing both household and outside work.
• Inequality – unfair treatment of people.

Understanding NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 4 – Growing up as Boys and Girls is important to learn how social expectations create inequality between men and women. The chapter clearly explains how education and awareness can reduce gender discrimination.

The ideas discussed in this chapter help students develop sensitivity towards gender issues and are highly useful for school examinations and foundation-level preparation.

Students should next read Chapter 5: Women Change the World to understand how education and awareness help women challenge inequality and transform society.

FAQs

Q1. What is meant by gender in this chapter?
Gender refers to the social roles and expectations given to men and women.

Q2. What is socialisation?
Socialisation is the process through which children learn behaviour from family, school, and society.

Q3. Why is household work done mostly by women?
Because society traditionally assigns domestic work to women.

Q4. How does education help reduce gender inequality?
Education gives confidence, skills, and opportunities to girls and women.

Q5. Why is NCERT Class 7 Polity Chapter 4 important for exams?
It explains gender roles and inequality, which are important social concepts for school exams and foundation-level preparation.