Are the following workers — a beggar, a thief, a smuggler, a gambler? Why?
No, a beggar, a thief, a smuggler, and a gambler are not considered workers.
According to the context, workers are those who are engaged in paid work regularly or casually, such as agricultural labourers, factory workers, clerks, or those who are self-employed like pavement vegetable vendors, lawyers, doctors and engineers. All these categories are involved in productive economic activities.
A beggar, thief, smuggler, and gambler do not fall under any category of workers. They are neither engaged in any legitimate paid employment nor are they self-employed in productive work. Their activities are either non-productive or illegal, and they do not contribute to the economy's production of goods and services.
Explanation
The textbook context clearly defines workers as those engaged in paid work (regular or casual) or self-employment in legitimate economic activities. The examples given include agricultural labourers, factory workers, office staff, vendors, and professionals. Beggars, thieves, smugglers, and gamblers do not fit this definition as they are not involved in productive economic activities that generate legitimate income or contribute to national output.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the definition of workers from context - those doing paid work or self-employed in productive activities
Step 2: Check if the given categories (beggar, thief, smuggler, gambler) fit this definition
Step 3: Conclude they are not workers as they are neither in paid employment nor self-employed in legitimate productive work