Meaning and classification of Occupation

Meaning of Occupation

Occupation is any legitimate activity one engages in order to earn a living. It is a means of livelihood of a person. For example mining, fishing, plumber, mechanic, teaching, trading, law, medicine, etc.

Factors that Determine Occupation

The following are the factors that determine occupation:

1. Climatic and Weather Condition: Because of climate and weather differences from place to place, people engage themselves in one form of occupation or the other to earn a living.
2. Natural Resources: Natural resources endowment is also a determinant of one’s occupation. The presence of mineral resources in a particular place will attract the presence of miners and also determines the location of different types of industries. The availability of seaports and large bodies of water like ocean which are part of natural resources has accounted for people’s engagement in different activities and occupation.
3. Health Factor: There are some occupations which people who are not physically fit cannot engage in. e.g. Nursing, Teaching etc.
4. Skill and Training: People engaged themselves in occupation in which they have acquired skill and training.
5. Interest and Aptitude: People engaged in occupation they have interest in.
6. Salary and Wages: The salary and wages attached to a particular occupation determines the number of people that will be interested in such occupation

EVALUATION

1. Define Occupation
2. State 3 factors that could determine occupation.

Classification/Division of Occupation

The different occupation in which people engage themselves can be classified into four main division namely; primary or extractive occupation, Industrial or secondary Occupation, Commercial or tertiary Occupation and Service

1. Primary/Extraction Occupation

This occupation is concerned with the removal of raw materials from air, land or sea for the purpose of being worked upon by the manufacturing and construction industries. For example, Agriculture, Mining and Quarrying, Fishing and Forestry etc.

1. Industrial Occupation

This industrial work includes extraction, manufacturing and construction.

(i) Manufacturing: This form of Industrial occupation involves the process of changing raw materials obtained by workers in the extractive industry into finished goods. Some of the manufacturing industries are:

1. Plastics-making industries which produce plastic plates, spoons, cups etc.
2. Food industries which produce various types of items like flour. Sugar, beverages etc.
3. Textile industries that produce various types of clothing for man.
4. Mechanical engineering industries that produce all types and sizes of machineries such as equipment, industrial engines, mechanical tools etc.
5. Hardware industries that produce metal, major items of military equipment electronic and electrical devices, etc.
6. Cosmetic industries that produce various body creams, pomades, soap, detergent etc.

(ii) Construction: Construction industry is concerned with the process of putting together or assembling of manufactured products into usable forms. Those engaged in construction industries are building contractors, architects, surveyors, bricklayers, plumbers, civil engineers, water engineers etc.

(C) Commercial/Tertiary Occupation

This is the occupation which is directly concerned with making the goods produced by the manufacturing companies available to the final consumers. It involves trade i.e. buying and selling; distribution and other activities that facilitate trade, such as banking, advertising, insurance, warehousing, transportation, advertising and communication. In order to complete the process of production, the services of commercial workers are necessary.

(D) Service Occupation/Service Workers

The service workers are those who are not employed to work in industry and commerce, yet they still earn a living.  Those in this category are known as service workers. They are referred to as service workers because they render personal and direct services to people who need their services on payment directly or indirectly.  Services may be direct or indirect.

(i) Direct Services: These are services rendered personally and directly to those who employed them and who are ready to pay for their service. Those engaged in direct services include tailor, fashion designers, hairdressers, lawyers, private teachers, family doctors etc.

(ii) Indirect Services: These are services rendered to the public and are paid by the government. Indirect service providers are directly not paid by the public. The government pays them from the taxes paid by the public. Those who provide indirect service include the policeman, soldiers, civil servants, lawmakers, government hospital doctors etc.