Economic and Non-Economic Activities

The economic and non-economic are the two essential divisions of various activities that human beings engage in daily. As the name suggests, economic activities are those performed for money and contribute to the national income. The non-economic activities are for personal or social activities. 

These activities balance people’s lives by contributing to financial and social well-being. 

 

Economic Activities 

The economic activities are performed for the financial benefit. The primary aim is to earn money and fulfil materialistic needs. 

Features of Economic Activities 

• The activities are part of earning a livelihood
• It contributes to the economy of a nation
• The activities include production, exchange, and distribution of goods & services.
• The measurement of Economic Activities is in monetary terms 

Examples of Economic Activities 

• The doctor treating patients 
• Teacher imparting knowledge to students 
• Shopkeeper selling products 
• Factory workers producing goods 

Types of Economic Activities 

• Business related: Trading, Selling goods
• Profession: Doctors, Lawyers
• Employment: Working for an employer 

 

Non-Economic Activities 

The Non-Economic Activities are for the social or emotional needs of people. They are for monetary advantages and help build up emotional stability. 

Features of Non-Economic Activities

• The activities are for self-satisfaction 
• No monetary rewards 
• Any social, personal or religious activities 

Types of Non-Economic Activities

• Personal activities: Hobbies, household work 
• Social activities: Charity, NGO work 
• Religious activities: Praying, celebrating festivals 

Examples of Non-Economic Activities

• Mother cooking food for children 
• Father earning money for the family 
• Donating money to charity 
• NGO work 

 

What is the difference between Economic and Non-Economic Activities?

Economic and Non-Economic Activities play a crucial role in the development of society and provide a balance to livelihood. Maintaining both activities at a similar pace will bring prosperity and good health. Understanding the role of economic and non-economic activities is essential and contributes an equal amount of time. 

The key difference between Economic and Non-Economic Activities is tabulated below:

 

Economic Activities	Non-Economic Activities
To earn income and livelihood	For personal satisfaction
Involves money	No money involved
Contributes to the national income	Does not contribute to the national income
Salary, wages, and profit as a reward	Happiness and emotional stability are the rewards
An example is a job or business	Examples are charity or religious work

 

See Also 

• Barriers to Effective Communication 
• Features of Sustainable Environment 
• Partnership Deed
• Concept and features of Business

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can we categorise an activity as economic and non-economic?

Yes! A teacher earning a salary by teaching is an economic activity, and if the teacher teaches for free and satisfaction, then it is a non-economic activity. 

How are the non-economic activities important?

Non-economic activities do not generate income but bring social and mental peace, which is important for a society. 

How are economic activities important for society?

The economic activities are important because of the reasons listed below:

• The activities are part of earning a livelihood
• It contributes to the economy of a nation
• The activities include production, exchange, and distribution of goods & services.
• The measurement of Economic Activities is in monetary terms.