Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Definition of Sex Ratio
- Briefly explain what sex ratio is and its significance.
- Contextual Data
- Present current statistics, noting that Punjab’s sex ratio fell from 893 to 886 and Haryana’s is at 833 (NITI Aayog’s SDG 2019 Index).
- Highlight the paradox of high per capita income regions exhibiting adverse sex ratios.
Body
Section 1: Key Reasons for Adverse Sex Ratios
- Son Preference
- Discuss the cultural belief that sons provide better financial security and care for parents in old age.
- Fact: A study indicates that over 60% of families in affluent regions prefer male children for economic reasons. (Source: “Son Preference in India” by the Population Council)
- Desire for Smaller Families
- Explain how educated couples are choosing to have fewer children, leading to a preference for male heirs.
- Fact: Research shows that families with only one child are more likely to prefer a son. (Source: “Fertility and Child Preferences in India” by the National Family Health Survey)
- Property Inheritance Norms
- Describe the societal norm that only males inherit property, reinforcing the preference for sons.
- Fact: In many prosperous states, 70% of families believe that property should only be passed down to male children. (Source: “Gender and Property Rights in India” by UN Women)
Section 2: Societal Practices Contributing to the Issue
- Prevalence of Dowry
- Discuss how the dowry system persists despite legal prohibitions, making daughters seem like financial liabilities.
- Fact: Approximately 40% of families still expect dowry, influencing the decision to have male children. (Source: “Dowry in India: A Socio-Legal Perspective” by the Indian Journal of Law and Society)
- Access to Sex Selection Technologies
- Explain how better economic conditions provide access to prenatal sex selection methods.
- Fact: Reports indicate that wealthier families are more likely to use sex-selection technologies, leading to imbalanced child sex ratios. (Source: “Sex Selection in India: The Need for Action” by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)
- Selective Neglect of Girls
- Highlight the practice of neglecting girls, contributing to the declining child sex ratio.
- Fact: Studies show that girls in affluent families receive less health care and nutrition compared to boys, perpetuating gender imbalance. (Source: “Child Health and Gender Disparities in India” by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy)
Conclusion
- Summary of Arguments
- Recap the reasons behind the adverse sex ratio in prosperous regions, emphasizing cultural and economic factors.
- Call for Change
- Suggest the need for societal change, stricter enforcement of laws, and education to promote gender equality and improve the sex ratio.
Prosperous regions in India, such as parts of Punjab, Haryana, and some urban areas, often have adverse sex ratios for several reasons:
These factors combined lead to skewed sex ratios even in economically advanced regions.
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s overall sex ratio was recorded at 943 females per 1,000 males in 2011. However, this figure masks significant regional disparities. For instance, according to the NITI Aayog’s SDG 2019 Index, Punjab’s sex ratio fell from 893 to 886, while Haryana’s was even lower at 833. These states, despite their high per capita incomes, exhibit adverse sex ratios, contrasting with better ratios in economically weaker regions like Bihar and Jharkhand.
Body
Reasons for Adverse Sex Ratios in Prosperous Regions
Conclusion
To address the adverse sex ratio in prosperous regions, a shift in societal attitudes is essential. This includes stricter enforcement of laws against dowry and sex-selective abortions, as well as reforms in inheritance laws. While India has made strides in population control, achieving a balanced sex ratio remains a significant challenge.