A labor-intensive economy is an economic system that relies heavily on manual labor rather than machinery or technology. In this type of economy, the production process requires a large number of workers to achieve high levels of output.
Related terms
Indentured Servitude: A form of labor where individuals agreed to work for a certain period in exchange for transportation to America or other benefits.
Cash Crop: A crop grown primarily for sale rather than personal use. It requires intensive manual labor and is usually produced in large quantities.
Cottage Industry: Small-scale businesses typically operated at home by individuals or families. They relied on manual labor to produce goods such as textiles or pottery.