Employment : Growth, Informalisation And Other Issues | Class 11 Economics Notes

6.2 WORKERS AND EMPLOYMENT

Employment refers to engagement in economic activities that contribute to the gross national product (GNP) of a country. Economic activities include producing goods and services that add value to the economy. A worker is anyone engaged in such economic activities, regardless of whether they are paid or self-employed. Even those temporarily absent due to illness or festivals are considered workers. Employment in India is diverse; some have year-round jobs, others seasonal or casual work. Wages may not always be fair. In 2022-23, India had about 545 million workers, with two-thirds residing in rural areas. Men constitute about 77% of the workforce, women about 23%. Women’s participation is higher in rural areas (about 25%) than urban areas (about 20%). Many women perform unpaid household and farm work, which often goes unrecognized as employment. Economists argue that such unpaid work should also be considered employment due to its contribution to household maintenance and production. Understanding who workers are and their participation is crucial for planning and addressing social issues.

📊 Diagram: Image shows diverse workers including agricultural labourers and factory workers, highlighting the multifaceted nature of employment in India.

🔗 Connection: This section leads to understanding participation rates of people in employment, discussed in the next section.