Question

Which of the following will be treated as labour in economics? Give a reason for each.

1. Preparation of food by a housewife.
2. Singing for ones own pleasure.
3. Driving his master's car by a driver.
4. Playing cricket by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Answer 1

1. In economics, it is not treated as labour, as it is not an occupational division of labour. It is done for social obligation and self-satisfaction and does not earn service wages.
2. It is not treated as labour in economics as it is done for pleasure, not to earn money.
3. In economics, it is treated as labour as it is an occupational division of labour; it refers to a system in which one performs any particular occupation.
4. In economics, it is not treated as labour as it is not an occupation division. It is done for self-satisfaction and pleasure and does not earn money.