sex ratio in India

Sociology Optional Mains Paper 2 for UPSC | Year 2023 | Discuss the nature of regional variations in sex ratio in India, stating reasons thereof| Triumph IAS

differences and similarities between totemism and animism

Discuss the nature of regional variations in sex ratio in India, stating reasons thereof.

Section: B.
Sociology Paper 2023 Analysis.
Relevant for Paper-2 : Population Dynamics: Emerging issues: sex ratios

sex ratio in India

Question- 5 (e): Discuss the nature of regional variations in sex ratio in India, stating reasons thereof.  (10 Marks)

Introduction: Define sex ratio and also brief about more survivalist chances but even then skewed sex ratio

Main Body: Discuss variations based on north – south, rural -urban, tribal areas, green revolution etc., then state reasons for the same

Conclusion: On the lines of solving the issue with addressing the structural constraints with policy support

sex ratio in India

 

Introduction

Sex ratio in India indicates the number of women in the 1000 male population. Generally male are more, that’s why sex ratio is determined keeping male’s number as the baseThough the survival rate of girl child is higher and women generally live longer than men yet the child sex ratio and overall sex ratio is in favour of men.

Main body:

  • Regional variations in sex ratio in India
    • Sex ratio in green revolution areas: These states have historically faced some of the most imbalanced sex ratios in the country. Cultural preferences for male children have contributed to a higher number of sex-selective practices.   

                     Reason:

        • Green revolution’s legacy reduced the role of women in agriculture.
        • Mechanization of agriculture took away job opportunities for women and involved heavy machinery seen as unsuitable for them.
        • Mechanized farming required larger fields, leading families to prefer smaller families and only one male child to prevent land partition.
  • Sex ratio in relatively prosperous and urban areas: A new trend of decline in sex ratio in prosperous states like Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat is also seen. These states are not only prosperous and have higher per capita income but also are more urbanised and have higher literacy rate. This shows that decline of sex ratio is not only limited to agrarian communities but also in urbanised areas.

     Reasons:

      • This phenomenon is related to patriarchal dominance and cultural preference to male children. This phenomenon of sex selective abortions is also increasing rapidly in the context of preference for small families.
      • So families prefer one or two children and at least one male child. If this doesn’t happen naturally, parents prefer sex selective abortions.
  • Sex ratio in tribal areas: According to the 2011 census the child sex ratio in tribal areas is highest among all the social groups. States like Meghalaya and Nagaland with substantial tribal population have traditionally had more balanced sex ratios compared to other parts of the country.

    Reasons :

      • It can be attributed to tribal culture which doesn’t create much distinction between male and female. Partially it can also be contributed to spread of education and western values through missionary activities.
  • Southern States: States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have generally shown more balanced sex ratios. Kerala, in particular, has often been cited as a state with a higher sex ratio due to its relatively progressive social indicators.
  • Western and Central States: States like Maharashtra and Gujarat have shown variations, with some districts reporting more balanced ratios and others facing challenges.

Factors shaping the sex ratio

  1. Social and Cultural Factors:
    • Son Preference: In many parts of India, there is a historical preference for male children. This preference is deeply rooted in cultural and societal norms, and it has led to practices such as sex-selective abortions and female infanticide.
    • Dowry System: The dowry system, prevalent in certain regions, can contribute to the preference for male children. Families may perceive the birth of a female child as a financial burden due to the expectation of dowry at the time of marriage.
    • Cultural Practices: Certain cultural practices and traditions may influence the value placed on male offspring, affecting family planning decisions.
  2. Economic Factors:
    • Livelihoods: In agricultural societies, where physical strength may be perceived as more important for certain tasks, there could be a preference for male heirs to continue family occupations.
    • Economic Opportunities: Societal expectations about the roles of males and females in the workforce can influence the perceived economic value of having male or female children.
  3. Educational Factors:
    • Education Levels: Higher levels of education, especially for women, are associated with lower fertility rates and may contribute to more balanced sex ratios.
    • Awareness: Education and awareness programs about the importance of gender equality and the negative consequences of gender imbalances can play a role in addressing skewed sex ratios.
  4. Government Policies:
    • Legal Measures: The Indian government has implemented various legal measures to curb practices such as sex-selective abortions and female infanticide. The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, for example, prohibits sex determination tests and sex-selective abortions.
    • Social Welfare Programs: Government initiatives promoting the welfare of the girl child, such as conditional cash transfer schemes, aim to change societal attitudes and address gender imbalances.one such initiative Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao has mobilised the motivation of masses and has helped in goal attainment of achieving balanced sex ratio.

   Conclusion:

Addressing the regional variations in sex ratios requires a multi-faceted approach, including educational reforms, awareness campaigns, and legal measures to eliminate gender-based discrimination and violence. It also involves promoting economic opportunities for women and challenging deeply ingrained cultural norms that perpetuate gender imbalances.


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