Social Science Notes Class 6 English Medium 2026-27

Social Science Chapter 13. The Value of Work

CBSE Notes New Syllabus: Class 6

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Chapter 13. The Value of Work

This chapter explains the different activities people perform in their daily lives and their importance. It distinguishes between economic and non-economic activities and explains how work creates monetary and social value.

Chapter Review

Different Types of Activities

People engage in many different activities in their everyday lives. These activities can be broadly divided into economic activities and non-economic activities.

Economic Activities

Economic activities are activities that involve money or are performed in exchange for money or money's worth.

• A business person selling school bags.
• A farmer selling produce in the market.
• A lawyer earning a fee for professional services.
• A truck driver transporting goods.
• Workers employed in a factory.

Non-Economic Activities

Non-economic activities are activities that do not generate income or wealth but are performed out of feelings such as love, care, gratitude and respect.

• Parents cooking food for the family.
• Helping children with schoolwork.
• Taking care of grandparents.
• Family members helping in house renovation.
• Volunteering to teach others without payment.

Economic Activities and Non-Economic Activities – Difference

Money's Worth

Money's worth means the monetary value that a person places on an object based on the benefit they derive from it.

Market

A market is a place where people exchange goods and services. In most markets, goods and services are exchanged for money.

Fee

A fee is a payment made to a person or organisation in exchange for professional advice or services, such as a payment to a doctor or lawyer.

Salary

A salary is a fixed and regular payment generally paid monthly by an employer to an employee.

Wage

A wage is a payment made by an employer to a worker for a specific period of time.

Payment in Kind

Payment in kind is a non-cash payment received for work performed. For example, a farm labourer may receive some of the payment in the form of mangoes.

Types of Economic Activities

People receive different forms of compensation for their economic activities.

• Salary – regular payment generally received by an employee.
• Wage – payment made to a worker for a specific period of work.
• Fee – payment for professional advice or services.
• Payment in kind – payment made in goods or services instead of cash.

Value Addition

Value addition means adding value to something by transforming it into another form.

For example, Rajesh buys wood for ₹600 and makes a chair that he sells for ₹1,000. The additional ₹400 represents the monetary value of his skill, time and effort. Thus, he has added value to the wood by turning it into furniture.

Importance of Non-Economic Activities

Non-economic activities may not involve money, but they generate important value in our lives. They contribute to social welfare, personal well-being and the overall quality of life.

Sevā – Selfless Service

Sevā means selfless service. It involves helping others without expecting anything in return.

Sevā can be seen in places such as temples, gurudwaras, mosques and churches. For example, langars or community kitchens at gurudwaras serve food to visitors for free.

Community Participation

Community participation means people coming together and working collectively for the benefit of their community and society.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is an example of collective community participation. People work together to keep homes, streets, roads, parks and other public places clean.

Van Mahotsav

Van Mahotsav, the festival of forests, promotes awareness about the value of trees and the conservation of forests. It brings community members together for tree plantation drives.

Value of Community Service

Community service is valuable because people contribute to society without expecting monetary rewards. Such activities strengthen cooperation, gratitude and a sense of responsibility towards society.

Examples from the Chapter

Important Definitions

• Economic Activity – An activity involving money or money's worth.
• Non-Economic Activity – An activity done without generating income or wealth, often out of love, care, gratitude or respect.
• Market – A place where goods and services are exchanged.
• Fee – Payment for professional advice or services.
• Salary – A fixed, regular payment generally made monthly to an employee.
• Wage – Payment made to a worker for a specific period of work.
• Payment in Kind – Non-cash payment received for work performed.
• Value Addition – The increase in value created by transforming something into another form.
• Sevā – Selfless service.

Quick Revision

• Activities are broadly classified as economic and non-economic.
• Economic activities involve money or money's worth.
• Non-economic activities are generally performed out of love, care, gratitude or respect.
• Economic activities can create monetary value through value addition.
• People may receive salary, wages, fees or payment in kind for economic activities.
• Non-economic activities are also valuable even when they do not involve money.
• Sevā is selfless service performed without expecting anything in return.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Van Mahotsav are examples of community participation.
• Community participation contributes to the welfare of society.

Chapter at a Glance

Economic Activities → Money/Monetary Value → Value Addition → Salary/Wage/Fee/Payment in Kind

Non-Economic Activities → Love/Care/Gratitude/Respect → Social Welfare → Personal Well-being → Better Quality of Life