Final answer:
The dependency ratio is a population metric that compares the number of individuals typically not in the labor force to those in the labor force. The answer to the student's question is a) Dependency ratio, an important measure for analyzing economic and societal pressures on a nation's workforce.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dependency ratio is an age-population ratio of those typically not in the labor force (the dependent part ages 0 to 14 and 65+) and those typically in the labor force (the productive part ages 15 to 64). It is used to measure the pressure on the productive population. The correct answer to the student's question is a) Dependency ratio.
Considering the impact of changing demographics, such as an aging population in China, there will be significant shifts in the dependency ratio. This is measured as the number of nonproductive citizens such as the young, disabled, elderly versus the productive working citizens. An increased dependency ratio implies a greater burden on the productive part of the population to support those who are dependent.
The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the dependency ratio is projected to rapidly climb, reflecting a potential increase in the economic burden on the workforce. This weighty indicator is essential for policymakers and economists as it affects government budgets, social services, and overall economic health.