Our ApparelClass 11 Human Ecology And Family Sciences Part 2 NCERT Solutions
5 Solutions
Generated by KedovoAI
Solution 1 of 5
Q1Review Questions
Give any three reasons for why you wear clothes.
Solution
Based on the chapter, three primary reasons for wearing clothes are:
-
Modesty: In most societies, there is an expectation that people cover their bodies. This concept of modesty is taught from a young age and varies across different cultures and communities. For instance, what is considered modest in one society may not be in another.
-
Protection: Clothing serves as a protective barrier against the environment. It shields us from harsh weather conditions like sun and cold, as well as from dirt and pollution. It can also offer protection from physical harm, such as the specialized gear worn by firefighters or the protective equipment used by sports players.
-
Adornment: People wear clothes to enhance their appearance and look attractive. The desire to decorate the body is a universal human drive. Clothing, along with accessories and other forms of body decoration like nail polishing or hair braiding, is used to beautify oneself.
Q2Review Questions
What are the factors that affect the selection of clothing for children?
Solution
The selection of clothing for children is influenced by several factors, as outlined in the chapter. These can be summarized as follows:
-
Age: Clothing needs change significantly as a child grows. For infants, comfort and safety are paramount. For older children, conformity to peer groups becomes important. As they approach adolescence, physical changes and societal norms further influence their choices.
-
Climate and Season: The primary function of protection from weather dictates clothing choices. Light cottons are suitable for warm climates, while layers of woolens are needed for the cold. The cost and quantity of seasonal clothing must be considered, especially for growing children who will outgrow them quickly.
-
Occasion: Different situations call for different types of attire. Schools often have uniforms, while parties and social gatherings are occasions for children to wear 'nice' apparel. Family functions may require traditional clothing.
-
Fashion: Children are influenced by contemporary trends, often seen on television or inspired by celebrities. They may be drawn to certain styles, colors, or accessories that are currently in fashion. Short-lived trends, or 'fads', are also quite common among children and adolescents.
-
Income: The family's financial status affects the quantity, variety, and quality of clothing purchased. Higher-income families may have a greater variety of clothes for different occasions, while lower-income families might recycle clothes from older siblings to economize.
Q3Review Questions
Discuss any four clothing needs of children.
Solution
The chapter highlights several basic clothing needs for children. Four of the most important are:
-
Comfort: This is the most crucial requirement for children's clothing. Garments must allow for freedom of movement so children can play, crawl, run, and jump without restriction. Fabrics should be soft, lightweight, and absorbent to be comfortable against a child's sensitive skin. Tight clothes, restrictive elastics, and stiff fabrics should be avoided.
-
Safety: Clothing must be safe for the child. Garments that are too large or have long, hanging sashes can be hazardous as they might get caught on objects or catch fire easily. For infants and toddlers, loose buttons and trims are a choking hazard. Brightly colored clothes can also enhance safety by making a child more visible to motorists.
-
Self-help: As children grow, they want to become independent. Clothes with self-help features encourage this by making it easier for them to dress and undress themselves. Desirable features include front openings, large buttons that are easy to grasp, and distinct front and back sides to avoid confusion.
-
Allowance for growth: Children grow rapidly, so their clothing should be able to accommodate this growth. Instead of buying clothes that are much too large (which can be uncomfortable and unsafe), it is better to select garments with built-in growth features. Examples include trousers with cuffs that can be let down, adjustable straps, raglan sleeves that offer more room than set-in sleeves, and tucks or pleats that can be opened to increase width.
Q4Review Questions
Why do children's clothing requirements change with age? Discuss the clothing features of children at infancy, preschool age and elementary school years.
Solution
Children's clothing requirements change with age due to their rapid physical, motor, social, and emotional development. As they grow, their bodies change in size and proportion. Their activities evolve from sleeping and feeding as infants, to crawling, walking, and active play in toddlerhood and preschool, to sports and complex social interactions in elementary school and adolescence. This progression demands changes in clothing to ensure comfort, safety, and appropriateness for their activities. Furthermore, as children become more socially aware, their clothing choices are influenced by a desire for peer acceptance and self-expression.
Clothing Features at Different Ages:
-
Infancy (birth to six months): The primary concerns are warmth, comfort, and hygiene. Clothes must be simple to put on and take off, featuring front openings or large neck openings to avoid pulling garments over the baby's head. Fabrics must be very soft, lightweight, and absorbent, like cotton. Safety is crucial, so drawstrings and small, loose fasteners should be avoided. The most essential garments are diapers and simple undershirts.
-
Preschool age (2-6 years): At this stage, children are very active and playful. Their clothes need to be durable, easy to care for, and comfortable. Cotton is a suitable fabric choice. A key feature is self-help, which promotes independence; this includes large front openings, big buttons, and comfortable necklines. Children also begin to develop preferences for certain colors and styles, and it is important to allow them some choice. Growth features like adjustable straps and cuffs are also beneficial.
-
Elementary School Years (6-11 years): This is a period of heightened physical activity and social development. Clothing plays a significant role in gaining peer acceptance. While comfort remains essential, children develop strong likes and dislikes and often want to dress like their friends. Boys typically prefer rugged clothes for active play, while girls' preferences can vary. Absorbent fabrics like cotton are important to manage perspiration during play. Factors like fit, safety, and easy care continue to be relevant.
Q5Review Questions
What should be the features of clothes for children with special needs?
Solution
Clothing for children with special needs should be designed to provide comfort, facilitate independence, and accommodate their specific physical requirements, while also being aesthetically pleasing. Key features include:
-
Comfort and Fabric Choice: Comfort is the primary criterion. Soft fabrics like cotton for summer and velvet corduroy or cotswool for winter are preferred. The fabric should not irritate the skin.
-
Durability and Reinforcement: Garments should be made from strong fabrics that can withstand abrasion, especially if the child uses orthotic devices like calipers, braces, or a wheelchair. Specific areas of the garment may need reinforcement to prevent wear and tear.
-
Ease of Use (Self-help and Carer-assistance): Openings should be easily accessible and simple to fasten. Velcro and zippers with key chains are better choices than small buttons. Features like wider necklines, front openings, and elastic waistbands make dressing and undressing easier for both the child and the carer.
-
Easy Care: The garments should be easy to wash and maintain, as they may require frequent laundering.
-
Aesthetic Appeal: It is very important that the clothes look like those of any other child. They should be appealing in color and print so that the wearer feels good and confident. The design should cater to individual needs without looking purely functional or medical.
-
Customization: The most effective garment is one that is specifically constructed to meet the individual needs of both the child and the person assisting them.