Specialization (or specialisation) is the separation of tasks within a system. In a multicellular creature, cells are specialized for functions such as bone construction or oxygen transport. In capitalist societies, individual workers specialize for functions such as building construction or gasoline transport. In both cases, specialization enables the accomplishment of otherwise unattainable goals. It also reduces the ability of individuals to survive outside of the system containing all of the specialized components.
Adam Smith described economic specialization in his classic work, The Wealth of Nations.
Specialization is when people specialize in one thing or another which they are good at.
One argument holds that the introduction of agriculture to tribes and hunter gather's enabled individuals to safely commit more Free Time and resources to maximize their effectiveness in one aspect for mutual benefit to the whole community. Whereas before, this "Free Time" critically challenged with time spent securing food, shelter and companionship.
Specialisation and Division of Labour
Specialisation occurs when workers are assigned specific tasks within a production process. Workers will require less training to be an efficient worker. Therefore this will lead to an increase in labour productivity and firms will be able to benefit from economies of scale (lower average costs with increased output) and increased efficiency.
Example of Specialisation and Division of Labour.
In the process of producing cars, there will be a high degree of labour specialisation.
Some workers will design the cars
Some will work on testing cars
Some will work on marketing
Some workers will work on different sections of the assembly line. Their job may be highly specific such as putting on tires e.t.c.
Specialisation within Economies
Specialisation can also mean that individual countries can produce certain goods that they are best at producing and then exchange