Step 1: Reading the Description Closely:
Let us pull out the clues in the question. There are two actions. First, the company reduces permanent workers. Second, it assigns the work to smaller firms or to individuals at home.
Both actions together point to work being moved outside the firm.
Step 2: Match the Clues with a Term:
In sociology, moving work outside the company to contract firms or home workers is called outsourcing.
Home-based work and small contractors are often used by large companies in the era of globalisation to save money.
Step 3: Remove the Wrong Terms:
Liberalisation is a policy of the state, about removing trade controls. Disinvestment is a sale of government shares. Mechanisation is the use of machines.
None of these three talks about handing work to small firms or home workers. So we can drop options 1, 3 and 4.
Step 4: Confirm the Remaining Option:
Only outsourcing is left, and it fits both clues in the question.
So the correct choice is the second option.
Step 5: Final Recheck:
Think of a large garment brand. It closes part of its own factory and gives the stitching to small units and to women who stitch at home. The brand saves on salaries and benefits. This everyday picture is outsourcing, and it explains why such work is often insecure. Reading the question again, every clue fits this picture, so the answer stays the same.
A good habit is to test the chosen term against each clue once more before marking it. Here that test passes.
Final Answer:
The practice is outsourcing, which is option 2.
\[ \boxed{\text{Option 2}} \]