Διτομεακό Υπόδειγμα του Lewis: Εύκολη Επεξήγηση

The Lewis model divides the economy into two distinct sectors.The traditional agricultural sector is characterized by low productivity and surplus labor.In contrast, the modern industrial sector features high productivity and better wages.The productivity difference between sectors is significant, with industry showing consistently higher output.This productivity gap is reflected in wages, with industrial workers earning significantly more than their agricultural counterparts.This dual structure of traditional and modern sectors forms the foundation for understanding economic development in developing countries.The key element of Lewis's model is the gradual movement of labor from the agricultural to the industrial sector.In the agricultural sector, we see surplus labor, meaning some workers contribute minimally to production.The industrial sector offers higher wages, attracting workers from agriculture.This wage differential continues to drive labor movement until the surplus labor in agriculture is exhausted.Despite this movement, agricultural productivity remains stable due to the initial surplus of workers.This process continues as long as there are surplus workers in agriculture who can earn higher wages in industry.As workers continue to move from agriculture to industry, the industrial sector grows and accumulates capital.The movement of workers leads to industrial expansion and increased capital formation.As the industrial sector grows, it accumulates more capital in the form of factories and equipment.Initially, wages in the industrial sector remain constant due to surplus labor from agriculture.The Lewis turning point occurs when the surplus agricultural labor is exhausted, leading to rising wages in both sectors.After this point, wages begin to rise in both sectors as the labor market becomes more unified.This marks the transition to a more developed economy with an integrated labor market.