occupations Analysis of traditional occupations prevalent in one’s own local area, their beginnings, present status and challenges faced. Analyse gender roles, entrepreneurial opportunities, future careers and family participation. Content of the Project Identify the traditional occupations prevalent in your region. Interview some craftsmen about their beginnings, present status, and problems and challenges that they face.
Purpose of the Project You have read in Unit about traditional occupations in India. Doing this project will give you insights into the origin and history of the craft, the changes that have emerged in the modern context, its marketability and the challenges faced by craftsmen. You may also learn about how some of them have become entrepreneurs. It is intended that this will enable you to think of entrepreneurial possibilities in the modern context.
Procedure Teacher to initiate brainstorming session in the class by asking students to identify different occupations prevalent in their region or state. List all the occupations on the black board. For example, (i) Occupations related to food industry — pickles, jams, snacks, sweets, traditional festival specialty cuisines etc. (ii) Occupations related to garment industry — weaving, stitching, embroidery, knitting etc.
(iii) Occupation related to handicraft industry — carpet making, pottery, bamboo art, traditional paintings, paper art, assessor making etc. (iv) Any other occupation prevalent in the local area. Appendix - Projects . The class can be divided into groups consisting of not more than students per group.
. Each group will identify a specific traditional craft or art or product. . Each group will identify artisans/craftsmen practising the selected craft/art.
. Develop an interview format based on the list of points given below under ‘Discussion Points’. . Students will interact with approximately – such persons and discuss with them the following points: Discussion Points i.
Origin of the specific art or craft, if they know any historical perspective ii. Types of products made, raw materials used, the source of raw materials, process of manufacture and skills required at various stages, training acquired, any formal training required iii. Costing and profitability iv. Production per month and approximate earnings, customers, profitability v.
Changes that have occurred in the modern setting and challenges or problems faced vi. Remedial actions and support required, if any vii. Government or private schemes available and availed of viii. Gender aspects in relation to (a) type of products made (b) specific tasks assigned for production (c) family support and participation including children (d) payment to males and females ix.
Marketing strategies adopted x. Assistance, support and funds required xi. Self-employment and entrepreneurship possibility Responses of the persons interviewed should be recorded and a project report prepared. Each group will then draw conclusions in relation to entrepreneurial possibilities and gender roles in the modern context as well as child labour.
Each group will make a presentation to the class, which will be evaluated by the teacher(s). Outline for project report — Introduction to the profession, job description and skills required, etc., followed by presentation and discussion.