Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Social progress, at its core, signifies the improvement in the well-being of a society, encompassing advancements in areas like health, education, equality, and security. However, this progress is often unevenly distributed, and certain vulnerable groups, particularly women, are frequently left behind. Female foeticide, the intentional termination of a pregnancy based on the sex of the fetus, represents a stark regression in social progress, a pre-birth discrimination that reflects deep-seated patriarchal norms. The continued prevalence of this practice, despite legal prohibitions like the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, raises a critical question: is there a necessary connection between broader social progress and the eradication of female foeticide?
Understanding Social Progress and its Indicators
Social progress isn't merely economic growth; it's a multi-dimensional concept. The Social Progress Index (SPI), developed by the Social Progress Imperative, measures a country’s performance across three dimensions: Basic Human Needs (nutrition, medical care, water & sanitation, shelter, personal safety), Foundations of Wellbeing (access to knowledge, access to information & communication, health & wellness), and Opportunity (personal rights, personal freedom & choice, inclusiveness, access to higher education). A society demonstrating improvement across these indicators can be considered socially progressive.
The Problem of Female Foeticide in India
Female foeticide is a manifestation of son preference, deeply rooted in socio-cultural factors like inheritance laws, dowry systems, and the perceived economic value of sons. Despite being illegal, the practice persists due to factors like readily available sex-determination technology, weak enforcement of laws, and societal acceptance in certain regions. According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) data (2018-2020), India’s sex ratio at birth is 952 females per 1000 males, a slight improvement from previous years but still significantly skewed. This indicates continued gender-biased sex selection.
The Connection: A Necessary, but Not Sufficient, Relationship
There *is* a necessary connection between social progress and protection against female foeticide, but it is not a sufficient one. A society genuinely committed to social progress *must* address gender inequality and eliminate discriminatory practices like female foeticide. However, achieving social progress in other areas – economic growth, improved healthcare, increased literacy – does not automatically translate into the eradication of this practice.
- Positive Correlation: Higher levels of female education and economic empowerment are strongly correlated with reduced rates of female foeticide. Educated women are more likely to challenge patriarchal norms and have greater agency over their reproductive choices.
- Weak Correlation: Economic growth alone doesn't guarantee a decline in female foeticide. In some cases, increased wealth can *facilitate* access to sex-determination technology, exacerbating the problem.
- The Role of Governance: Effective governance, including strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, awareness campaigns, and addressing corruption within the healthcare system, is crucial.
Beyond Legal Frameworks: Addressing Root Causes
While the PCPNDT Act is a vital legal tool, it’s insufficient on its own. Addressing the root causes requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Changing Social Norms: Long-term behavioral change communication campaigns are needed to challenge son preference and promote the value of daughters.
- Empowering Women: Investing in girls’ education, providing economic opportunities for women, and ensuring their political participation are essential.
- Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Improving access to quality healthcare for all, particularly in rural areas, and ensuring ethical practices within the medical profession.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities, religious leaders, and civil society organizations in promoting gender equality.
Philosophical Considerations
From a philosophical perspective, the issue of female foeticide raises fundamental questions about human rights, dignity, and equality. John Rawls’ theory of justice, emphasizing fairness and equal opportunity, would condemn female foeticide as a violation of the principle of equal basic liberties. Similarly, Amartya Sen’s capability approach highlights the importance of individuals having the freedom to live lives they have reason to value, a freedom denied to female fetuses subjected to sex-selective abortion.
| Indicator of Social Progress | Impact on Female Foeticide |
|---|---|
| Female Literacy Rate | Higher literacy rates correlate with lower rates of female foeticide. |
| Female Workforce Participation Rate | Increased economic empowerment of women reduces son preference. |
| Sex Ratio at Birth | A skewed sex ratio indicates ongoing gender-biased sex selection. |
| Access to Healthcare | While access can facilitate foeticide, improved healthcare also enables better maternal and child health. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while social progress and protection against female foeticide are inextricably linked, the relationship is not automatic. Genuine social progress necessitates a holistic approach that addresses the underlying socio-cultural and economic factors driving gender inequality. Legal frameworks like the PCPNDT Act are important, but they must be complemented by sustained efforts to empower women, change societal norms, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. Only then can India truly claim to be a socially progressive nation, one that values the lives of all its citizens, regardless of gender.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.