Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Female foeticide, the abortion of a foetus based on its sex, remains a deeply entrenched social evil in India, despite being legally prohibited. Rooted in a historical preference for sons, this practice reflects a skewed sex ratio and perpetuates gender inequality. While the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, aims to curb sex-selective abortions, the problem persists. The question of whether this is solely a consequence of technological advancements, specifically the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques, is a complex one that demands a thorough examination of the underlying socio-economic and cultural factors.
Socio-Cultural Causes of Female Foeticide
The preference for sons in India is deeply ingrained in patriarchal societal structures. This preference stems from several factors:
- Patriarchal Norms: Traditional societal norms assign greater value to male offspring, who are seen as continuing the family lineage, performing last rites, and providing economic support.
- Son Preference: Sons are often perceived as providing greater social status and security to families. This is particularly pronounced in regions with strong patrilineal systems.
- Dowry System: The burden of dowry, prevalent in many parts of India, makes daughters an economic liability for families, further fueling son preference.
- Lack of Female Education: Lower levels of education among women often correlate with a greater acceptance of gender bias and a higher incidence of female foeticide.
- Social Pressure: Families often succumb to societal pressure to have a male child, leading them to resort to sex-selective abortions.
Economic Causes of Female Foeticide
Economic factors exacerbate the problem of female foeticide:
- Poverty: Families struggling with poverty may perceive fewer resources to raise a daughter, especially considering the potential dowry burden.
- Economic Security: In agrarian societies, sons are often seen as essential for agricultural labor and economic productivity.
- Limited Access to Healthcare: While seemingly counterintuitive, limited access to quality healthcare can sometimes lead families to seek out illegal and unsafe sex determination and abortion facilities.
The Role of Technology: A Tool, Not the Root Cause
While the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques like ultrasound and amniocentesis undeniably facilitates female foeticide, it is crucial to understand that technology is merely a tool, not the primary driver. The demand for sex determination arises from the pre-existing societal preference for sons. If the underlying societal biases were addressed, the demand for these technologies would diminish.
The PCPNDT Act, 1994, was enacted to regulate these techniques, but its implementation has been weak due to:
- Poor Enforcement: Lack of stringent monitoring and enforcement of the Act allows illegal sex determination centers to operate.
- Corruption: Bribery and corruption within the healthcare system contribute to the continued misuse of technology.
- Lack of Awareness: Limited awareness among the public about the legal consequences of sex selection.
Comparative Analysis: Regional Variations
The incidence of female foeticide varies significantly across different regions of India. States like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have historically exhibited a lower sex ratio at birth, indicating a higher prevalence of this practice. This is often attributed to a combination of strong patriarchal norms, the dowry system, and relatively higher economic prosperity (making the cost of raising a daughter more significant). Southern states generally have a more balanced sex ratio, suggesting a less pronounced preference for sons.
| State | Sex Ratio at Birth (2015-2019) (Females per 1000 males) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | 896 | Historically low sex ratio |
| Haryana | 891 | Significant prevalence of son preference |
| Rajasthan | 898 | Dowry system and patriarchal norms contribute |
| Kerala | 953 | Higher literacy and female empowerment |
| Tamil Nadu | 952 | Relatively balanced sex ratio |
(Source: Sample Registration System (SRS) Bulletin, Registrar General of India - Knowledge Cutoff 2024)
Conclusion
In conclusion, while technology undeniably plays a facilitating role in female foeticide, it is fundamentally a symptom of deeply rooted socio-cultural and economic inequalities. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that goes beyond simply regulating prenatal diagnostic techniques. Strengthening the enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, promoting female education and economic empowerment, challenging patriarchal norms, and raising public awareness are crucial steps towards achieving gender equality and eradicating this harmful practice. A sustained and holistic effort is needed to change societal attitudes and ensure that every girl child is valued and cherished.
Answer Length
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