<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>The Economy is divided into different sectors based on the type of economic activities. These sectors are the primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, and quinary sectors. The primary and secondary sectors are foundational, playing a critical role in the overall economic structure. Understanding these sectors’ distinctions, advantages, and disadvantages is essential for grasping the economic activities’ dynamics.
| Feature | Primary Sector | Secondary Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Activities | Involves extraction and harvesting of natural Resources. | Involves processing and manufacturing of goods. |
| Examples | agriculture, fishing, Forestry, mining. | Factories, construction, textile production, car manufacturing. |
| Output Type | Raw materials. | Finished goods and products. |
| Dependency | Dependent on natural factors like Climate, Soil, water. | Dependent on the supply of raw materials from the primary sector. |
| Technology Use | Often low-tech, traditional methods. | High-tech, advanced machinery and technology. |
| Employment | Labour-intensive, often employing unskilled or semi-skilled workers. | Capital-intensive, often employing skilled workers. |
| Economic Impact | Forms the base of the economy, providing raw materials. | Adds value to raw materials, contributing to industrial Growth. |
| Market Type | Local markets and direct consumers. | National and international markets. |
| Risk and Uncertainty | High, due to dependency on natural conditions. | Relatively lower, more stable production Environment. |
| Contribution to GDP | Higher in developing countries. | Higher in developed countries. |
| Capital Requirement | Generally low. | Generally high. |
| Environmental Impact | Can be significant due to resource extraction. | Can be significant due to industrial pollution. |
Q1: What is the primary sector?
A1: The primary sector involves activities that directly use Natural Resources. This includes agriculture, mining, forestry, and fishing.
Q2: What is the secondary sector?
A2: The secondary sector involves the manufacturing and processing of raw materials from the primary sector into finished goods. Examples include factories, construction, and textile production.
Q3: How do the primary and secondary sectors differ in terms of technology use?
A3: The primary sector often uses traditional, low-tech methods, while the secondary sector employs advanced machinery and technology.
Q4: Why is the primary sector important for developing countries?
A4: The primary sector is crucial for developing countries because it provides employment, supports livelihoods, and is often the main source of exports and income.
Q5: What are the main disadvantages of the secondary sector?
A5: The main disadvantages of the secondary sector include environmental pollution, resource intensity, Urbanization issues, industrial accidents, and sensitivity to economic cycles.
Q6: Can the primary and secondary sectors exist independently?
A6: No, the primary and secondary sectors are interdependent. The primary sector provides raw materials needed by the secondary sector, and the secondary sector processes these materials into goods.
Q7: What role do these sectors play in Economic Development?
A7: Both sectors are vital for economic development. The primary sector supplies essential raw materials, while the secondary sector adds value to these materials, driving industrial growth and economic diversification.
Q8: How do environmental impacts differ between the two sectors?
A8: The primary sector can cause Environmental Degradation through resource extraction, while the secondary sector often contributes to pollution due to industrial activities.
Q9: What type of employment does each sector generate?
A9: The primary sector generally generates labor-intensive jobs requiring unskilled or semi-skilled labor, while the secondary sector creates more skilled employment opportunities.
Q10: How do these sectors contribute to GDP?
A10: In developing countries, the primary sector usually contributes more to GDP due to the agrarian economy. In contrast, in developed countries, the secondary sector typically has a higher contribution to GDP due to industrialization.
Understanding these aspects of the primary and secondary sectors helps in comprehending their roles and significance in the broader economic framework.