Understanding the Tertiary Sector: A Comprehensive Guide

TERTIARY SECTOR

The Growth of the Service Sector

The service sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including education, tourism, and more. In developed countries, it contributes significantly to both employment and wealth generation. The number of people employed in this sector has also increased in less developed countries. Developments such as globalization, economic changes, and increased trade have led many to speak of a "tertiary revolution."

The High-End Tertiary or Quaternary Sector

This sector includes activities related to technology and science, often requiring specialized training and offering high salaries.

The Low-End Tertiary Sector

This sector encompasses jobs that require minimal training and typically offer lower wages.

TERTIARY SECTOR ACTIVITIES

The Diversity of the Service Sector

The service sector is characterized by:

• Diversity: It encompasses a wide variety of activities.
• Intangibility: Services are valued based on the personal dedication involved.
• Consumer Proximity: Direct contact between supply and demand is often crucial.
• Low Mechanization: Services often involve a high degree of human interaction.
• Uneven Distribution: The proportion of the workforce employed in the service sector varies significantly between countries.

Classification of Tertiary Activities

Tertiary activities can be divided into four main groups:

• Social Services: These include activities related to public administration, education, healthcare, and social security.
• Distribution Services: These activities involve the movement of people, goods, and information, encompassing transportation, communication, and trade.
• Business Services: Many companies outsource services to specialized tertiary companies, such as accounting, legal services, and consulting.
• Consumer Services: These services cater directly to consumers and include retail, hospitality, leisure, and personal services.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE MEDIA

The Power of Communication and Information

Information and entertainment generate wealth and influence public opinion. Numerous companies and governments strive to control this sector, leading to the growth and consolidation of methods to exert pressure on politicians and the public to advance economic and political interests. This can result in the corruption of information.

TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

Efficient transportation systems are crucial for economic activity and social development.

Road Transport

Road transport networks are the densest and most structured land transport systems, commonly used for moving people and goods. There are significant differences between road networks in developed and developing countries.

Rail Transport

Rail transport is ideal for medium and long-distance transportation of passengers and goods. It is fast, secure, and cost-effective.

Air Transport

Air transport is efficient for transporting people and light, perishable, or high-value goods over long distances.

Maritime Transport

Maritime transport is suitable for moving large quantities of goods over long distances at low prices, although it is relatively slow.