Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s sex ratio, measured as the number of females per 1000 males, has historically been skewed in favor of males. While the national average is improving, certain prosperous regions exhibit a particularly alarming trend of declining female sex ratios. This paradox – that economic prosperity often correlates with a worsening sex ratio – challenges conventional assumptions about development and societal progress. The preference for sons, deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, combined with increased access to prenatal sex determination technologies, contributes significantly to this phenomenon. This answer will explore the reasons behind this adverse trend, focusing on specific regions and the underlying socio-economic factors.
Identifying Prosperous Regions with Adverse Sex Ratios
Several of India’s most economically developed states and districts display significantly skewed sex ratios. These include:
- Haryana: Consistently reports one of the lowest sex ratios in the country (891 females per 1000 males – Census 2011).
- Punjab: Another agriculturally prosperous state with a low sex ratio (895 females per 1000 males – Census 2011).
- Rajasthan: Despite economic progress in certain areas, the state continues to struggle with a low sex ratio (928 females per 1000 males – Census 2011).
- Maharashtra: Particularly in districts like Ahmednagar and Jalgaon, adverse sex ratios are observed.
- Gujarat: Certain districts exhibit declining sex ratios despite overall economic growth.
Socio-Economic Drivers of Adverse Sex Ratios
1. Son Preference & Patrilocal System
Deep-seated patriarchal norms and the patrilocal system (where the bride moves into the groom’s family home) contribute to a strong preference for sons. Sons are seen as continuing the family lineage, providing economic support in old age, and performing funeral rites. This preference is particularly pronounced in agrarian societies where sons are crucial for agricultural labor and land ownership.
2. Economic Factors & Diminishing Marginal Utility of Daughters
In prosperous regions, the economic burden of raising a daughter, including dowry, is perceived as higher. The concept of diminishing marginal utility of daughters arises – as families become wealthier, the perceived economic benefit of having more daughters decreases, while the cost (dowry) increases. This leads to a preference for sons, who are seen as long-term economic assets.
3. Access to Sex-Selective Technologies
Despite the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, access to illegal sex determination and selective abortion remains prevalent in these regions. The availability of ultrasound clinics and the demand for sons drive this illegal practice. The act aims to prevent sex selection, but enforcement remains a challenge.
4. Decline in Female Education & Workforce Participation
While education levels have improved overall, in some of these regions, female education and workforce participation rates are lower compared to national averages. This reinforces the perception of women as economic dependents and further strengthens son preference.
5. Social Status & Security Concerns
In some communities, having a son is seen as a symbol of social status and provides a sense of security for the family. This is particularly true in areas with high crime rates or social instability.
Regional Variations & Specific Examples
Haryana and Punjab: The Green Revolution, while boosting agricultural productivity, also led to increased wealth and, consequently, a rise in dowry demands. This exacerbated son preference and fueled sex-selective abortions. The relatively high literacy rates in these states ironically facilitated access to information about sex determination techniques.
Rajasthan: The state’s arid climate and dependence on agriculture contribute to the economic vulnerability of families, making them prioritize sons for labor and inheritance. Social norms regarding inheritance also play a significant role.
| State | Sex Ratio (2011 Census) | Key Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Haryana | 891 | High dowry, agricultural prosperity, access to sex determination |
| Punjab | 895 | Similar to Haryana, Green Revolution impact |
| Rajasthan | 928 | Arid climate, agricultural dependence, inheritance norms |
Conclusion
The adverse sex ratio in prosperous regions of India is a complex issue rooted in deeply ingrained patriarchal norms, economic factors, and the illegal practice of sex selection. While economic development is crucial, it is not sufficient to address this problem. Strengthening the enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, promoting female education and economic empowerment, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate son preference are essential steps. A holistic approach that combines legal measures, social awareness campaigns, and economic incentives is needed to achieve a more equitable sex ratio and ensure the well-being of women in India.
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.