#1115 - Myths, Motherhood and Work
First of two insights on birthrates, motherhood and work in Japan
Search popular media for information about working mothers and you are likely to find something like this: While the employment rate of women has increased, companies discourage mothers from returning to their old jobs.
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eBook#1114 - A society trapped in a Crocodile's mouth
Two decades of stagnation and an ageing population have produced what the Japanese call waniguchi or the "crocodile's mouth" effect. This is where public expenditure grows while tax revenues shrink.
In short, unless Japan's productivity rises significantly faster than its workforce shrinks, the economy will shrink while demands on social security will grow.