Meaning of occupational composition: The distribution of the population according to different types of occupations is referred to as the occupational structure. It is also expressed in form of the population engaged in a certain economic activity.
Occupational Work: There are several occupational groups in the world. All economic activities done by the active population are included in these groups. According to United Nations Organisation (UNO), there are several economic classes, i.e., agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishing, animals rearing, mining, manufacturing, industries, production, electricity, gas, water and health facilities and many other un – classified occupations.
This classification is used for international comparison, but every country classifies its population into different groups according to its needs. The working population (15 – 64 age group both males and females) are divided into following groups.
1. Primary Activities: These activities are found in those countries where in developing economy is seen. Primary activities include gathering, hunting, fishing, lumbering, mining, cattle rearing, and agriculture.
2. Secondary Activities: These type of activities are seen in the developing and developed countries. Secondary activities include manufacturing, dairy – farming commercial fishing and other industrial activities.
3. Tertiary Activities: All the services in the developed and developing countries are included in tertiary activities. In highly developed countries, 40 to 50 per cent of working population is engaged in tertiary economic activities. In the United States of America and other European countries, percentage of working population engaged in these activities is upto 60 – 70.
4. Quaternary Activities: The percentage of working population engaged in quaternary activities is relatively very low. But the income earned from it is very high. The population engaged in these activities gives a mobility by its ideas, planning and research.
5. Pentinary Activities: The specialists, advisors, policy – makers, decision takers, etc. are included in these activities.
