The population pyramids of most Asian countries that are experiencing or have experienced rapid economic growth are beehive shaped. These pyramids are narrow at the base and marked by a larger working-age population. Examples include Japan, South Korea and Thailand. China is an exception due to its one-child policy.
While a humming economy tends to draw more women into the workforce, entrenched views about the role of women in society are less quick to change. This disconnect between the increase in the number of working women and lack of mechanisms to help them raise children is seen as the main factor behind this demographic structure.