Changing Employment Structure
Geography: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 9.1.2
Changing Employment Structures by Income Level
Employment in LICs, MICs and HICs shifts from primary to secondary and tertiary sectors as economies develop and income levels rise.
Employment in Low-Income Countries
- LICs have a high percentage of employment in the primary sector.
- Many workers are involved in agriculture, fishing or mining.
- Jobs tend to be informal and low-paid.
- Limited access to education keeps employment in low-skill sectors.
- LIC employment structures reflect subsistence and resource-based economies.
Employment in Middle-Income Countries
- MICs see a decline in primary sector jobs.
- Secondary sector employment in manufacturing and industry expands.
- Growth of factories creates new job opportunities.
- Tertiary sector jobs begin to increase with urbanisation and services development.
- MICs often experience rapid economic change and diversification.
Employment in High-Income Countries
- HICs have the smallest proportion of workers in primary sector jobs.
- The majority of employment is in the tertiary sector (services).
- Quaternary sector (knowledge-based) jobs grow in importance (e.g., IT, finance, research).
- High levels of education support specialised and skilled employment.
- Automation and technology reduce employment in manufacturing.
Reasons for changing employment structures
- Economic development shifts focus from raw materials to manufacturing, then services.
- Improvements in education increase skills and labour productivity.
- Urbanisation changes the types of jobs available.
- Technology and mechanisation reduce the need for primary sector workers.
- Global trade influences employment trends across LICs, MICs, and HICs.
Impact on societies
- Employment shifts improve income and living standards.
- Decline in primary sector jobs can lead to rural unemployment or migration.
- Growth in service jobs changes social roles and urban lifestyles.
- Changes in employment affect gender roles and family structures.
- Governments must manage transitions to reduce social inequality.
Test yourself on Changing Employment Structure
What sector has the highest employment in LICs?
What challenge do MICs face in employment?