Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The sex ratio, defined as the number of females per 1000 males, is a crucial demographic indicator reflecting societal well-being. India has historically exhibited a preference for male children, leading to a consistently unfavorable sex ratio. According to the Census of India 2011, the sex ratio was 919 females per 1000 males, a slight improvement from 927 in 2001, but still significantly lower than the natural ratio of 950. This imbalance is not uniform across the country, with some states exhibiting alarmingly skewed ratios. The reasons for this disparity are complex and deeply rooted in socio-cultural norms, economic factors, and advancements in technology.
Socio-Cultural Factors
The preference for male children is deeply ingrained in Indian patriarchal society. This stems from several factors:
- Patrilineal System: Inheritance laws and family lineage are typically traced through the male line, making sons crucial for continuing the family name and property ownership.
- Son Preference: Sons are often seen as providing economic security in old age, performing funeral rites, and protecting family honor.
- Dowry System: The practice of dowry, prevalent in many parts of India, makes daughters an economic burden for families, further reinforcing son preference.
- Socialization: Gender roles are often rigidly defined, with girls being socialized to prioritize family needs over their own aspirations.
Economic Factors
Economic conditions significantly influence sex ratio imbalances:
- Poverty: In impoverished families, the cost of raising a daughter, particularly with the burden of dowry, can be prohibitive.
- Agricultural Societies: In agrarian economies, sons are valued for their contribution to agricultural labor.
- Limited Access to Education & Employment: Lack of educational and employment opportunities for women reduces their economic value in the eyes of some families.
Technological Factors & Sex-Selective Abortion
The advent of medical technology has exacerbated the problem:
- Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act, 1994: Despite the PNDT Act prohibiting sex determination and sex-selective abortion, illegal sex determination centers continue to operate, particularly in states with already skewed sex ratios.
- Ultrasound & Amniocentesis: These technologies, when misused, allow parents to identify the sex of the fetus and selectively abort female fetuses.
- Accessibility & Affordability: The increasing accessibility and decreasing cost of ultrasound services contribute to the problem.
Regional Variations
The imbalance in the sex ratio varies significantly across states:
| State | Sex Ratio (Females per 1000 males) - 2011 Census |
|---|---|
| Haryana | 898 |
| Punjab | 895 |
| Rajasthan | 928 |
| Kerala | 1084 |
| Tamil Nadu | 986 |
States like Haryana and Punjab, with deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and relatively higher economic prosperity (allowing access to PNDT), exhibit the most skewed ratios. Southern states generally have more favorable ratios, attributed to higher literacy rates, greater female empowerment, and matrilineal traditions in some regions.
Government Initiatives & Challenges
The government has implemented several initiatives to address the issue:
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme (2015): Aims to prevent female foeticide, ensure girls' education, and empower women.
- PNDT Act, 1994 & its Amendments: Regulates the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques and penalizes sex determination.
- National Mission for Empowerment of Women: Focuses on improving the socio-economic status of women.
However, effective implementation remains a challenge due to weak enforcement of laws, societal attitudes, and lack of awareness.
Conclusion
The imbalance in the sex ratio in India is a complex issue with deep-rooted socio-cultural and economic causes, exacerbated by technological advancements. While government initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao are steps in the right direction, a holistic approach is needed. This includes strengthening the enforcement of the PNDT Act, promoting gender equality through education and economic empowerment, and challenging patriarchal norms through sustained awareness campaigns. Addressing this imbalance is not merely a demographic imperative but a fundamental requirement for building a just and equitable society.
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.