NCERT Notes: Grade 8 Social Science - Geography - Chapter 6: Human Resources

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Introduction

Human resources are the backbone of any nation’s development. These resources are not confined to the workforce but include the overall population, their skills, abilities, and well-being. Chapter 6 of the NCERT Grade 8 Social Science textbook offers an in-depth look into human resources, their distribution, and their role in the overall development of a country.

Understanding Human Resources

Human resources pertain to the people of a country or region, encompassing their skills, abilities, aptitude, and knowledge. This resource is versatile and dynamic, evolving with education, training, and experience.

Population Distribution

The distribution of human resources across the world is uneven:

Density of Population: Number of individuals per unit area.
Factors Influencing Population Density: Climate, terrain, water availability, socio-economic factors.

Population Growth

The growth of human resources has several aspects:

Birth Rate: Number of live births per thousand people.
Death Rate: Number of deaths per thousand people.
Migration: Movement of people across regions can lead to growth or reduction in population.

Composition of Population

Age: Young (below 15 years), working-age (15-59 years), old (above 59 years).
Sex Ratio: Number of females per 1000 males.
Literacy Rates: Percentage of population above 7 years of age that can read and write.
Occupational Structure: Based on primary (agriculture), secondary (industry), and tertiary (services) sectors.

Importance of Human Resources

Human resources drive nations:

Economic Development: Skilled labor boosts industrial and agricultural outputs.
Innovation: Education and training lead to innovations, benefiting multiple sectors.
Cultural and Social Development: The populace shapes a nation’s culture, traditions, and societal norms.

Challenges Faced by Human Resources

Unemployment: A significant challenge in many countries, leading to social unrest.
Ageing Population: An older population can strain resources, health care, and social security systems.
Health Challenges: Diseases can decimate populations and impede growth.

Population Policies

Nations adopt policies to manage human resources:

Pro-Natalist Policies: Encourage growth in countries with declining populations.
Anti-Natalist Policies: Aim to reduce birth rates in densely populated countries.
Education and Healthcare: Investment in these sectors ensures a skilled, healthy workforce.

Conclusion

Chapter 6 of the NCERT Grade 8 Social Science textbook highlights the profound significance of human resources. Beyond numbers, it emphasizes the potential of every individual to contribute to a nation’s growth. For countries to progress, it is essential to invest in their human resources – through education, healthcare, and skill development, ensuring a bright, prosperous future.

Reference: NCERT Grade 8 Social Science - Geography - Chapter 6: Human Resources