Classification of Human Activities
Human activities can be broadly classified into two categories based on their purpose and end result: Economic Activities and Non-Economic Activities.
1. Economic Activities
Economic activities are those that involve money or are performed in exchange for money or money’s worth. The primary motive is to earn a livelihood or profit.
Note
Key Definitions:
- Market: A place where people engage in the exchange of goods and services, usually for money.
- Fee: A payment made to a professional (like a doctor or lawyer) for their advice or services.
- Money’s Worth: The monetary value a person places on an object based on the benefit they derive from it.
Examples:
- A pilot flying a commercial plane for an airline.
- A shopkeeper selling school bags and uniforms.
- A farmer selling produce in the market.
- A lawyer arguing a case for a fee.
- A truck driver transporting goods.
2. Non-Economic Activities
Non-economic activities are those that do not generate income or wealth. These are performed out of feelings like love, gratitude, care, respect, or social duty.
Examples:
- Parents cooking food for the family.
- Youth taking care of grandparents.
- Volunteering to teach neighborhood kids for free.
- Family members helping renovate their own house.
Tip
Think About It: If a teacher teaches in a school, she gets a salary (Economic). If the same teacher teaches her own child at home, she gets no money (Non-Economic). The nature of the activity is the same (teaching), but the purpose changes the classification.
Summary Table
| Feature | Economic Activity | Non-Economic Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | To earn money or wealth. | Personal satisfaction, social obligation, love. |
| Reward | Monetary (Money). | Psychological (Happiness, Gratitude). |
| Example | Doctor treating a patient in a hospital. | Doctor treating their own child at home. |