Chapter 4, Problem 34A

Summary Introduction

To hypothesize:

The shape of the age diagram for Switzerland.

Introduction:

The age structure diagram is one of many tools to study the characteristics of a population. It is also known as the population pyramid. An age diagram depicts the age of individuals (both male and female) in a population. There are three age groups that are included in an age diagram, pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive.

Explanation of Solution

Individuals in the pre-reproductive age group are the ones that are of age less than 20. In the reproductive age group, individuals of age group 20-44 are included whereas in the post-reproductive age group, individuals of age more than 44 are included. The age groups are defined based on the average number of individuals reproducing or giving birth to new offspring at a particular age. There may be some exceptions to this standard. 

A country with a major number of individuals in the pre-reproductive age group has a pyramidal shaped diagram and is generally seen in developing countries. Developed countries generally have an urn-shaped diagram depicting the major population of the country in the reproductive age group. Some developed countries also show a constrictive pyramid depicting a major portion of the population in the post-reproductive age group. 

Conclusion

A developed country like Switzerland should have an urn-shaped age pyramid with a major population in the reproductive age group as it is a stable country in terms of individuals of different age groups and not an aging country.