UPSC Ghosla

Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. (200 words, 10 Marks)

2014 (Indian Society GS Paper 1)


Ans. India’s sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) was 943 according to the 2011 Census, but this number doesn’t represent the entire country equally.

Significant variations exist across regions. For example, prosperous states like Punjab and Haryana have some of the lowest sex ratios despite high per capita incomes. According to the NITI Aayog’s SDG 2019 Index, Punjab’s sex ratio dropped from 893 to 886 in 2019, while Haryana’s was even lower, at just 833 females per 1,000 males.


Reasons for increasing prosperity leading to adverse sex ratio can be seen as follows:


Inheritance of Highly valued Property: In prosperous regions, property and wealth are highly valued, and social norms often favor sons for inheritance. Families may choose to have a son to ensure that family assets stay within their male lineage.(Eco.)

Easy Access to Sex Selection Technology in Urban Areas: Wealthier families can afford and access advanced medical technology, which sometimes leads to sex-selective practices, even if they’re illegal.(Tech.)

Educated women desire only one child/Smaller Family Size: Many of the young couple’s desire smaller families as the educated women have greater bodily choices. But these couples prefer a male child because the lone child would inherit their property.

Preference for Sons: Many families still prefer sons, believing they will support their parents in old age and carry on the family name, as men are traditionally seen as primary earners.(Cultural) .


Dowry System: Despite laws against it, dowry remains a practice, even for educated and financially independent women. This creates a financial burden, which can make families favor having sons over daughters.(Social)


Weak Enforcement of Laws: Although there are legal measures against sex-selective practices, enforcement may be weaker in affluent regions, allowing discriminatory practices to continue.


Conclusion

The adverse sex ratio in India’s more prosperous regions reflects a complex mix of cultural preferences, economic motivations, and societal pressures. Addressing this imbalance requires a shift in societal values, where daughters are seen as equally valuable members of the family. Stronger enforcement of laws against dowry and sex-selective abortions, along with progressive inheritance reforms, would also help tackle this issue.

Efforts to control population growth must not translate into a preference for limiting female births. Although India has made strides in lowering its total fertility rate, achieving a balanced sex ratio remains a significant challenge. True progress will come when girls are equally valued, and families recognize the broader contributions that daughters make to society.

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10 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 2