Introduction To Sociology

presentation

University of Central Punjab

Work And Economy

BS-EN04
PRESENTED TO: MAAM SAIRA
 Member 1:
SEHAR ZAHID-001
 Introduction
Work
• "work" is the organized effort individuals undertake to produce
goods, services, or other valuable outcomes within social structures
and cultural contexts.
• It encompasses both paid and unpaid labor, and plays a crucial role
in shaping identities, social structures, and economic systems.
 Economy
• In sociology, "economy" refers to the system of production,
distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society
or region.
• It encompasses the processes and relationships through which
resources are allocated and utilized to meet human needs and
desires.
Importance of work and economy
1. Human Survival and Well-being:
Work provides the means through which individuals and communities
obtain essential goods and services necessary for survival and
quality of life. A functioning economy ensures the efficient production
and distribution of these resources.
2. Social Organization and Stability:
The economy structures how individuals and groups interact within
society. It establishes roles, hierarchies, and relationships based on
economic activities, contributing to social cohesion and stability.
3. Income and Livelihoods:
Work generates income and livelihoods, enabling individuals to meet
their material needs, pursue personal aspirations, and participate in
broader economic and social activities.
 Innovation and Progress:
Economic activities drive innovation and technological advancements,
leading to improved standards of living, new industries, and
economic growth.
Political and Cultural Influence:
Economic power influences political decision-making and shapes
cultural norms and values. It can impact policies, social mobility, and
the distribution of resources within a society.
Member 2:
Eman waheed-027
 Historical perspectives
• The evolution of work and economy over time is a fascinating topic
in sociology, reflecting broader changes in societies, technology, and
human interactions
 Pre-Industrial Societies:
• Subsistence Economy: Early human societies relied on hunting,
gathering, and later, agriculture, to meet their basic needs.

• Barter System: Exchange of goods and services directly, without a

standardized currency.

Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries):

• Transition to Industrialization: Shift from agrarian economies to
industrial economies based on mechanization and factory
production.

• Urbanization: Concentration of populations in cities due to industrial

jobs.

• Rise of Wage Labor: Workers increasingly employed by factories and

industries, often in poor conditions and long hours.
 Post-Industrial Era (20th century onwards):

• Service Economy: Growth of service-based industries such as

healthcare, education, finance, and technology.
• Information Age: Advancements in technology, particularly
computing, leading to automation and digitization of work processes.
• Globalization: Increased interconnectedness of economies and labor
markets worldwide.

Emergence of New Forms of Work:

• Gig Economy: Rise of freelance and temporary work, facilitated by
digital platforms.
• Knowledge Economy: Focus on intellectual capital, creativity, and
innovation as drivers of economic growth.
• Remote Work: Accelerated by technological advancements, allowing
work from anywhere with internet connectivity.
 Challenges and Contemporary Issues:
• Income Inequality: Disparities in wealth distribution due to
globalization and technological changes.
• Job Polarization: Decline in middle-skill, routine jobs and growth in
low-skill service jobs and high-skill, knowledge-based jobs.
• Automation and Job Displacement: Concerns over the impact of
artificial intelligence and robotics on traditional job markets.

Future Directions:
• Sustainability: Shift towards sustainable practices and industries in
response to environmental concerns.
• Inclusive Growth: Policies aimed at reducing inequality and ensuring
economic opportunities for all.
• Digital Transformation: Continued integration of technology into all
aspects of work and economy, influencing job creation and skill
requirements.
Member 3:
Laraib tariq-016
 Types of work
Formal work Informal work
• Formal work refers to • Informal work refers to
employment that is legally employment that is not
recognized and regulated by officially recognized or
government institutions. regulated by government
Example: authorities.
• Professions such as doctors, Example:
lawyers, engineers, • Street vendors, domestic
accountants, etc. workers, day laborers,
agricultural laborers, and
workers in small-scale
manufacturing. Freelancers,
part-time workers.
 Paid Work Unpaid Work
• : Any form of employment • Includes domestic labor,
where individuals receive caregiving (often done by
monetary compensation for family members), and
their labor. volunteering. Unpaid work
contributes significantly to
social reproduction and
community support but is not
Example: financially compensated.
• Corporate Jobs, Retail Example :
Industry, Educators,
professors, and teachers. • Household chores and
responsibilities such as
cooking, cleaning, and
childcare, typically performed
by family members without
 Skilled Work Unskilled Work
• Involves specialized • Jobs that require minimal
knowledge, training, or training, often characterized by
education, often requiring repetitive tasks and lower
specific qualifications or wages. The distinction
expertise. between skilled and unskilled
work can affect social status
and economic opportunities.
Examples:
• Software developers,
Examples:
mechanical engineer, • Agricultural Worker,
accountants etc Construction Laborer, Retail
Sales Associate.
 Effects of work and economy on social classes

• Income Inequality and Social Mobility: Economic policies, labor

market conditions, and educational opportunities significantly impact
income inequality and social mobility.
• Access to Resources and Opportunities: Social classes differ in
their access to resources such as education, healthcare, housing,
and cultural capital. Higher social classes often have greater access
to high-quality education, networking opportunities, and beneficial
social connections.
• Health and Well-being: Work conditions and economic stability
impact health outcomes and overall well-being.
• Cultural and Social Capital: Social classes often possess different
forms of cultural and social capital, including knowledge, skills, and
networks that facilitate social integration and mobility.
Member 4:

Fajar Nabeel-012
 Types of Economy
TRADITIONAL ECONOMY
• In a traditional economy, economic activities are based on customs,
traditions, and beliefs passed down through generations.
EXAMPLE:
Indigenous tribes in various parts of the world, such as certain
communities in Africa, Asia, and South America, still practice
traditional economies to varying extend.

MARKET ECONOMY:
A market economy relies on the forces of supply and demand to
determine the production, distribution, and pricing of goods and
services.
EXAMPLES:
The United States, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia, and
many other countries operate primarily as market economies.
 COMMAND ECONOMY
In a command economy, also known as a planned economy, the
government or central authority makes all decisions regarding
production, distribution, and resource allocation
EXAMPLES:
Historically, countries like the Soviet Union, China during the Maoist
era, and North Korea operated under command economies.

MIXED ECONOMY:
A mixed economy blends elements of market and command economies
EXAMPLES:
countries in Western Europe often have extensive welfare systems and
regulations alongside market-driven economies.
 SOCIALIST ECONOMY:
In a socialist economy, the means of production are owned and
controlled by the state or by collective groups representing workers.
EXAMPLES:
Sweden and Norway, have adopted aspects of socialism in their
economic policies, with high levels of social welfare and progressive
taxation.

CAPITALIST ECONOMY:
A capitalist economy is characterized by private ownership of the
means of production, where economic decisions are guided by profit
motives and market forces.
EXAMPLES:
The United States is often cited as a primary example of a capitalist
economy, where markets largely determine prices, production, and
distribution of goods and services.
 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, while work and economy are fundamental
drivers of progress and development, their impacts on
social classes highlight the need for proactive measures
to ensure fairness, opportunity, and social cohesion in
our increasingly interconnected world.
THANKYOU!
ANY QUESTIONS?