The economy is a major part of our life. The economy has been prevalent in our system since time immemorial. Decades long, we have come through many types of economic structures which have their own system of accommodation and planning. It is important for us to know the varied form of economies that plays a fundamental base in our upgrowth.
In this context, we are going to study the basics of the economic system and the types of an economy that prevailed and is prevailing.
Economic System Definition
Economic systems are the means that are adopted by governments of respective countries for the distribution of resources along with services and goods. Such an arrangement is dependent on production factors – capital, labour, physical resources, entrepreneurs, and information resources.
Types of Economy
There are four types of economic systems –
-
Traditional Economic System
This economic system retains essential characteristics in which there is a very little specialisation or division of labour.
A traditional economic system is most likely to be found in rural settings, or in such developing nations where farming is predominant. Such settings usually have very few resources to share.
-
Command Economic System
Command or Socialist economic system has a dominant centralised authority in the form of government. The economy is such a country that is controlled by the government. It is the sole decision-making authority for determining production and allocation.
Ideally, the command system takes into consideration the best interest of its populace.
-
Market Economic System
A market economic system or capitalist economy involves very less government interference and incorporates the principles of the free market. There is a scant exercise of control over resources. Market forces regulate demand and supply.
However, there does exist some degree of government intervention in the form of regulations against monopoly, and in favour of fair trade.
-
Mixed Economic System
A mixed economic system combines the features of both socialist and free-market economic systems. It is also known as a dual system. Most of the countries today have a mixed economic system with the existence of both public services as well as private industries.
Difference between Types of Economy
The difference between the types of economies are as follows:
|
Parameters |
Market Economic System |
Command Economic System |
Mixed Economic System |
|
Determination of price |
Demand and supply in a market determine the price |
The central authority, most likely the government, decides the prices of goods and services |
Price is influenced by market forces of demand and supply as well as government regulations, in certain instances |
|
Property ownership |
Ownership vests with private entities |
There is public ownership of property |
Property is owned by both public and private entities |
|
Production |
Production is undertaken only with a profit motive |
The underlying objective of production is social welfare |
Production in a mixed economy includes both profit motive and social welfare |
|
Competition |
There exists competition among entities present in such market |
There is no competition in a market owing to State ownership of firms. |
Only entities in the private sector experience competition |
|
Government intervention |
Government has very little role to play in a market economic system |
The government retains full control over firms |
Government has a full holding in the public sector but a limited role in its private counterpart |
Economic Sectors
These can be categorised into the following –
1. Primary Sector
The primary sector in an economy has a direct interface with the environment for purposes of production. Instances of the primary sector are agriculture, farming, mining, and fishing, among others.
The importance of the primary sector relates to the harvesting of products or extraction from the environment for procuring basic food and raw material. The end purpose of the primary sector is to utilise natural resources optimally.
2. Secondary Sector
In the secondary sector of an economy, raw materials are converted into products that are fit for both consumption or sale and help to move away from a primitive economic system. For example, the secondary sector helps a country to move from agriculture or other similar activities towards a developing market.
In India, the secondary sector holds about 20% of the gross domestic product. It helps to provide greater job opportunities to the populace at large.
3. Tertiary Sector
The Tertiary sector primarily covers the service sector, and therefore, focuses on service exchanges and production. Examples of the tertiary sector are – insurance, banking, communication and transportation, among others.
The tertiary sector’s significance is on the rise due to rapid technological developments in various basic essential services. These basic services include healthcare, police, banking, etc.
The most significant benefit of the tertiary sector is that it has a lower barrier of entry for businesses.
Test Your Yourself:
1. Which economic system takes into account culture and social roles while making economic decisions?
(a) Command economy
(b) Market economy
(c) Mixed economy
(d) Traditional economy
2. Which of the following is the most elementary economic problem?
(a) Capital
(b) Labour
(c) Scarcity
(d) Greed
3. What is a trade between nations called?
(a) International trade
(b) Free trade
(c) Trade barrier
(d) Voluntary trade
Solutions to these questions have been provided at the end of this article
If you are looking to know more about related topics, refer to the online materials available on ‘s platform.
Solutions
1. (d) Traditional economy
2. (c) Scarcity
3. (a) International trade
Do you know?
Economic liberalisation in India was initiated in 1991, and Dr Manmohan Singh was the pioneer of this liberalisation.
In economic liberalisation, government restrictions and regulations are reduced to facilitate the participation of private entities to a much greater extent. It is an inherent principle in Classical Liberalism. “Controls” were removed to drive economic development, which was in a rocky state.
The liberalisation of the Indian economy provided access to foreign investors, which subsequently increased foreign trade. Such changes went on to create higher job opportunities for the people of India.