1. The division of labour increases productivity by allowing workers to specialize in specific tasks, leading to faster and more efficient production. This results in lower costs, higher output, and greater innovation. As businesses expand, they create more jobs and generate wealth, driving economic growth. It also enables economies to develop diverse industries and improve overall living standards.
2. Small-Scale Industries:
Advantages: Flexibility, close supervision, higher quality craftsmanship.
Disadvantages: Limited specialization, higher costs, slower production.
Large-Scale Industries:
Advantages: High efficiency, mass production, lower per-unit costs.
Disadvantages: Worker monotony, job insecurity, reliance on complex supply chains.
3. By allowing workers and businesses to focus on specific tasks, the division of labour encourages expertise, leading to process improvements and technological advancements. It also creates demand for new tools and automation, which drive innovation in manufacturing, logistics, and services.
4. Positive Impact: Increases efficiency, skill development, and wages in specialized roles.
Negative Impact: Repetitive tasks may reduce job satisfaction, cause stress, and lead to burnout. Workers in lower-skilled jobs may feel undervalued and face job insecurity due to automation.
5. Countries and regions specialize in producing certain goods and services based on their resources and expertise. For example, China focuses on manufacturing, India on IT services, and Germany on high-end machinery. This interdependence boosts global trade but also creates vulnerabilities in case of supply chain disruptions.
6. Yes, wealthier regions tend to focus on high-skill, high-paying industries, while poorer areas may be limited to low-wage, labour-intensive jobs. Over time, this creates income gaps, uneven infrastructure development, and social inequality. Outsourcing and automation can also deepen these disparities.
7. Technology has transformed labour by automating repetitive tasks, enabling remote work, and creating new digital job roles. AI and robotics have increased efficiency but also displaced many traditional jobs, requiring workers to reskill and adapt to new industries. Technology also enhances global collaboration, making the workforce more interconnected.