Definition and Meaning:
Economics is the social science that studies how individuals and societies choose to use limited
resources to satisfy unlimited wants. It deals with production, distribution, and consumption of
goods and services. The term 'Economics' is derived from the Greek word 'Oikonomia', which
means household management.
Main Branches of Economics:
1. Microeconomics – Studies the behavior of individual consumers, firms, and markets. It deals
with topics like demand, supply, price determination, and consumer choice.
2. Macroeconomics – Focuses on the economy as a whole, including national income, inflation,
employment, and economic growth.
Basic Concepts:
• Wants: Human desires that are unlimited and recurring.
• Goods and Services: Products that satisfy wants.
• Scarcity: Limited resources available to meet unlimited wants.
• Choice: The need to select the best possible use of limited resources.
• Production: The process of creating goods and services to satisfy human needs.
Importance of Economics:
Economics helps individuals and societies make better decisions about resource use. It provides
tools to understand market trends, inflation, unemployment, and government policies. Knowledge of
economics is useful in daily life, business management, and planning for development.
Conclusion:
Economics is an essential subject that explains how limited resources can be managed efficiently to
achieve maximum satisfaction and sustainable growth for society.