The quaternary sector

Abstract

Activities of modern industrial societies are composed of socially useful and socially less useful sectors. Concept of ‘mutual subsidy’ is then elaborated on the basis of this classification. The proportions of mutual subsidy are unequal and changing in different countries of the world. The concept of quaternary sector, a socially useful work which does not figure in the gross national product (GNP), is necessary for understanding their dynamics. The Third World quaternary activities have their industrial counterpart in a ‘modernized quaternary sector’ which is already experiencing a progressively accelerating growth. It is argued that this quaternary development is desirable and increasingly beneficial for humanity.