arbeitsintensive

Arbeitsintensiv (labor-intensive) describes production processes or sectors that require relatively large amounts of human labor compared to capital or automation. In such systems, labor input is a dominant cost and a key driver of output.

Common examples include agriculture, construction, textiles, and caregiving or hospitality in many settings, where manual labor or skilled crafts constitute the main resource. In modern industry some phases can still be labor-intensive, while others become capital-intensive through automation.

Labor intensity affects employment, wage levels, and vulnerability to economic shocks. Measuring it involves indicators such as the share of labor costs in total costs or the ratio of labor hours to output. In development economics, labor-intensive strategies may promote jobs but limit productivity gains if not paired with skills development.

Historically, developing economies have relied on labor-intensive sectors to absorb surplus rural labor; as growth proceeds, economies tend to shift toward capital-intensive technologies. Policy debates consider whether to promote labor-intensive industries for employment or to invest in productivity-enhancing automation and worker skills.

Related terms include capital-intensive, automation, outsourcing, and offshoring; theories such as the Lewis model address transitions along this spectrum.