Introduction In Class XI, you have read about the importance of studying development of a person from a young age onwards. There are many changes that take place in a person as he or she grows up. Students, who choose to specialise in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) study these changes and also learn the ways in which they can provide effective and meaningful services for people at different ages, with different needs and under different circumstances. In the forthcoming chapters, we will explore the different options for careers in this domain.
We all know that studying HEFS helps us to know ourselves and the people around us better and to lead a more meaningful life, well integrated in our cultural tradition, with the knowledge of the developing world, science, technology and progress. The home and workplace are treated with equal respect and the personal, family life of any individual is given full consideration in understanding the person. In accordance with the National Curriculum Framework ( ), all ethnic groups, languages, religions and communities are regarded as equal. In the forthcoming chapters, we will explore the careers that are available to students who wish to work in this field.
At the college level, the discipline of HDFS is referred to by different names in different institutions as Child Development, Human Development and Childhood Studies, and Human Ecology. While the core of the discipline remains the same, there may be slight differences in their perspectives. For example, when the discipline is referred to as Child Development, there may be a greater focus on childhood and less emphasis on the life span development. However, these differences are only a matter of degree and the substantive component of the discipline remains essentially similar.
A career in HDFS is especially suitable for those who feel drawn towards understanding interpersonal relationships and find it comfortable to talk about these issues. A fair degree of honest self-reflection is usually a part and parcel of the career in HDFS – this can be exciting as you learn more about yourself and others around you. While the HDFS discipline helps you to develop the abilities to work with individuals and groups across the life span, from the very young to the old, you will find that the organisations and the programmes in the field focus on specific dimensions. Some may work with children in the early childhood years to create conditions for their all round development; some may be involved in providing counselling services to specific age groups; and some may strive to design interventions in the sector of education.
In fact, further in the chapter, we have identified the major areas of work within the domain of HDFS and presented the information accordingly as follows: (i) Early Childhood Care and Education, (ii) Guidance and Counselling, (iii) Special Education and Support Services, and (iv) Management of Support Services, Institutions and Programmes for Children, Youth and Elderly.