The Tertiary Sector: A Comprehensive Overview
The Tertiary Sector
The tertiary sector encompasses all activities that provide services to people. In industrialized countries, a significant portion of the workforce is employed in this sector, which generates substantial wealth. As countries become wealthier, the tertiary sector tends to employ a larger share of the population.
Diversity of the Service Sector
The service sector is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of industries, including:
- Health
- Education
- Tourism
- Commerce
- Transport
- Communications
- Culture
- Sports and leisure
The service sector also includes services related to scientific advancements, such as biogenetics and computers.
Workers in the Tertiary Sector
Workers in the tertiary sector generally have a high level of education and receive higher salaries. However, the sector also includes jobs with lower salaries and qualification requirements.
Characteristics of the Tertiary Sector
The tertiary sector is characterized by a diverse range of services, varying worker qualifications, and a wide spectrum of company sizes. Key characteristics of tertiary sector activities include:
- Non-material: Services are often based on personal effort and expertise.
- Cannot be stored: Services are typically delivered in real-time and rely on communication technologies for coordination.
- Near the consumer: Effective service delivery often requires close proximity between the provider and the consumer.
- Global expansion: The tertiary sector is expanding worldwide, with rich countries having approximately 70% of their population working in this sector, compared to 30% in poor countries.
Types of Services
The tertiary sector can be broadly categorized into the following types of services:
- Social services: These services are funded by the government or taxes and include healthcare, education, and public administration.
- Distribution services: This category encompasses transportation, telecommunications, and the trade of goods.
- Services to companies: These services are provided by one company to another and include advertising, research, banking, quality control, legal services, and cleaning services.
- Services to consumers: This category includes small shops, bars, restaurants, travel agents, repair services, and other individual services.
Healthcare Systems
Improvements in Health
The 20th century witnessed a significant increase in global population and a decrease in child mortality, leading to an overall increase in life expectancy. This can be attributed to several factors:
- Better alimentation: Advancements in farming techniques and technology have led to improved nutrition.
- Better hygiene: Improved drainage systems and access to clean water have contributed to better hygiene.
- Medical advancements: New medical technologies and vaccines have played a crucial role in improving health outcomes.
Access to Healthcare
A robust healthcare system is a fundamental social service. In developed countries, citizens have a right to healthcare, guaranteed by the state. These healthcare systems are typically public and funded through taxes. Rich countries often have private healthcare services available as well. The quality of a country’s healthcare system is closely linked to its economic development.
| Poor Countries | Lack basic sanitary services and equipment. Suffer from contagious and infectious diseases like AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Often cannot afford basic medicines, even for treatable conditions. |
| Rich Countries | Have access to advanced scientific and technological tools. Common health issues include those related to smoking, poor diet, and stress. |
Tourism
Tourism is a significant tertiary activity, particularly in rich countries where people have more disposable income and leisure time. Factors contributing to the rise of tourism include:
- Increased free time due to shorter work weeks, weekends, and paid holidays.
- A growing retired population with pensions and financial security, allowing them to spend on travel.
- Increased accessibility and affordability of transportation, including cars, public transport, and air travel.
Tourist Movements
Tourist movements typically originate in large cities and flow towards destinations known as receptor focuses. These destinations can be categorized based on distance:
| Near Receptor Focuses | Intermediate Receptor Focuses | Far Away Receptor Focuses |
| Up to 200 km. Popular for weekend breaks or short trips. Accessible by car or train. | Up to 2000 km. Suitable for holidays or longer trips. Accessible by car, train, or plane. | More than 2000 km. Often chosen for cultural trips or tropical vacations. Typically accessed by plane. Travel agencies often organize trips, including accommodation, activities, and excursions. |
Economic Impact of Tourism
Tourism plays a vital role in the economy, particularly in certain countries where it is a major source of employment and revenue. It stimulates the creation of new businesses and jobs in various sectors, including airlines, bus companies, travel agencies, hotels, leisure companies, taxis, bars, and restaurants. The influx of tourists brings significant financial benefits to the host country.
In Spain, tourism is a crucial economic driver. In poorer countries, tourism operators often establish the necessary infrastructure and create jobs to cater to tourist demands. However, a significant portion of the profits generated in these countries may flow back to wealthier nations, with only a small percentage benefiting the local economy.
Positive and Negative Effects of Tourism
| Positive Effects | Negative Effects |
| Increased revenue for the country. Job creation for the local population. Benefits other sectors like communication, transport, and commerce. | Inflation and increased prices of goods and services. Rising housing costs. Many tourism-related jobs are low-skilled and poorly paid (e.g., waiters, construction workers). Seasonal unemployment during off-peak periods. Environmental impact due to construction and development in coastal and mountainous areas. |