Chapter Overview
Economic activities can be classified by the nature of production and employment. The chapter compares primary, secondary and tertiary sectors and examines organised/unorganised and public/private dimensions.
Detailed Textbook-Aligned Concepts
Primary sector
Activities such as farming, fishing, forestry and mining use natural resources directly and supply raw materials or food.
Secondary sector
Manufacturing and construction transform raw materials into products or structures, adding value through processing.
Tertiary sector
Transport, communication, banking, trade, education, health, administration and many other services support production and directly satisfy needs.
Employment and output
A sector may employ many people without producing a proportionate share of output. Underemployment is especially important in agriculture.
Organised and unorganised sectors
Organised workers generally receive more formal protection and regulation, while unorganised workers often face insecure employment and limited benefits.
Public and private sectors
Public-sector organisations are owned or controlled by government and may pursue social objectives; private enterprises are generally owned by individuals or companies.
Creating employment
Public works, better infrastructure, skill development and support for productive activities can generate employment and improve incomes.
Last-Minute Revision
Revise the definitions, causes, effects, examples, comparisons and textbook activities. Practise map/figure-based points where applicable and answer the chapter exercises in your own words.