eli5 How do economies grow? Who grows them?

Question

eli5 How do economies grow? Who grows them?

In: 9

Answer 1

The usual measure of size of an economy is the sum of all productive activities (those that count) in that economy and given a dollar value.

The “who” that grows the economy is everyone that works and earns a salary or profit from sales, and anyone engaged in making stuff. (farmers, factory workers, baristas, lawyers …)