What are the key features of sex-ratio of population in India? Evaluate the impacts of child sex-ratio on general sex-ratio in the country.

Key Features of Sex Ratio of Population in India

The sex ratio in India exhibits several distinctive features, reflecting a complex interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and technological factors:

• Historical Decline and Recent Improvement: India has historically faced a declining sex ratio, with the general sex ratio falling from 972 in 1901 to 943 in 2011. However, recent data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) indicates an improvement, with the sex ratio reaching 1020 females per 1000 males. Despite this, the sex ratio at birth (SRB) remains a concern.
• Skewed Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): The natural sex ratio at birth is typically around 105 males per 100 females (or approximately 952 females per 1000 males). India's SRB has historically been more masculine than this natural level. While NFHS-5 recorded an SRB of 929 females per 1000 males for children born in the five years preceding the survey, this is still lower than the natural ratio, indicating persistent sex-selective practices.
• Regional Disparities: There are significant regional variations in the sex ratio across India. States in the northern and western regions, such as Haryana, Punjab, and Gujarat, have historically shown more masculine sex ratios, particularly in the 0-6 age group. Conversely, southern and northeastern states like Kerala and Mizoram generally exhibit more favorable sex ratios.
• Rural-Urban Divide: While urban areas traditionally exhibited lower sex ratios due to greater access to prenatal sex determination technologies, recent trends from NFHS-5 indicate that the sex ratio in rural areas (1037) is higher than in urban areas (985).
• Socio-Economic Factors: A strong son preference, deeply embedded in many cultural practices, is a primary driver of the skewed sex ratio. Factors like dowry, the perceived need for male heirs for property inheritance and old-age security, and the lower social status of women contribute to the devaluation of girl children. Paradoxically, sex selection has been observed to be more prevalent among wealthier households, suggesting that affordability of technology plays a role.
• Impact of Technology: The widespread availability and misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques (like ultrasound) for sex determination have significantly contributed to sex-selective abortions, leading to a deficit of girls.

Impacts of Child Sex Ratio on General Sex Ratio in the Country

The child sex ratio (CSR), defined as the number of females per thousand males in the 0-6 age group, is a crucial predictor of the future general sex ratio. A skewed CSR has profound and long-lasting impacts on the overall demographic structure and societal well-being:

1. Demographic Imbalance and Marriage Squeeze:

• A deficit of girls in childhood directly translates into a shortage of women of marriageable age in the future. This creates a "marriage squeeze," where a significant proportion of men, especially from lower socio-economic strata, may face difficulties finding brides.
• The 2011 Census revealed a CSR of 914, the lowest since Independence, which had the potential to exacerbate this marriage squeeze in subsequent decades. While NFHS-5 shows some improvement in SRB, the long-term impact of past disparities will continue to be felt.

2. Increased Violence and Crime Against Women:

• A scarcity of women can lead to an increase in crimes such as bride trafficking, abduction, and sexual violence, as women become a "scarce commodity."
• The societal devaluation of girls, evidenced by a low CSR, can also contribute to heightened domestic violence and other forms of gender-based discrimination.

3. Social Instability and Gender Hierarchy:

• An imbalanced sex ratio can disrupt social harmony and exacerbate class-based tensions, particularly if the "surplus males" are disproportionately from marginalized communities.
• It reinforces patriarchal norms and perpetuates a gender hierarchy where women's roles are further constrained, impacting their autonomy and participation in society.

4. Economic Consequences:

• A lower female population can impact the labor force participation rates, especially in sectors traditionally dominated by women.
• The economic costs associated with sex-selective practices, including illegal diagnostic procedures and the subsequent social issues, can be substantial.

5. Declining Fertility Rates:

• In regions with a severe marriage squeeze, a shortage of potential spouses can lead to a decline in overall fertility rates, further impacting population growth and age structure.

6. Impact on Family Structure and Support Systems:

• The preference for sons and the resulting deficit of daughters can weaken traditional family support systems, particularly for aging parents who might traditionally rely on daughters for care.

The cumulative effect of a persistently low child sex ratio is a population with an unfavorable general sex ratio, leading to a range of socio-economic and demographic challenges that undermine the principles of equality and sustainable development.