NCERT Book Class 11 Home Science (Human Ecology and Family Sciences) All Chapters

Introduction

Introduction 1
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
Evolution of the discipline and its relevance to quality of life

Let us begin by trying to understand the title of this subject — ‘Human
Ecology and Family Sciences’ (HEFS). The dictionary explains the
term ‘ecology’ in two ways. Firstly, it is referred to as a branch of
Biology that deals with relations between living organisms and their
environment. Secondly, it is stated to be a complex of relationships
between an organism and its environment. Borrowing from biology, 1
in our context, the ‘living organism’ is the human being, and hence
the term ‘Human’ precedes ‘Ecology’.
Through this subject you will be studying about human beings
in relation to their environment. Additionally, there will be a study
of dynamic relationships that children, adolescents and adults
have with the various physical, economic, social and psychological
elements in their ecology.
The expression ‘Family Sciences’ is an equally significant
segment in the title. As you would agree, the family is central in
most individuals’ lives. It is within the family that children are
nurtured, so that they develop and acquire independent identities
as adults. While studying this subject, the students will be guided
in understanding the individual in the context of the family, which
in turn is a critical social unit of society. ‘Human Ecology and
Family Sciences’ follows an integrated approach in the teaching-
learning process. More importantly it deals with the interaction of
human beings as members of their families and the society with
the environment. This forms a synergistic relationship with their
ecology, which amalgamates within it physical, psychological, socio-
cultural and economic resources.
In the Class XI curriculum, you would notice that particular
attention has been paid to the stage of adolescence, as this period is
known to be a turning point in one’s life. Thus, you will study how