Question

Give two reasons for declining child sex ratio in India.

Answer 1

Declining Child Sex Ratio in India

The declining child sex ratio (the number of girls per 1000 boys in the 0-6 age group) in India is a serious concern. Two primary reasons for this decline are:

1. Son Preference and Gender-Biased Sex Selection:

A strong cultural preference for male children exists in many parts of the country for social, economic, and religious reasons. This has led to the misuse of medical technology for prenatal sex determination, followed by the illegal practice of female foeticide.

2. Social and Economic Factors:

Factors such as the dowry system place a significant financial burden on families with daughters. In some communities, sons are seen as future breadwinners who will care for parents in their old age, while daughters are perceived as a financial liability, leading to neglect of the girl child or, in extreme cases, female infanticide.

The impact of these factors on the child sex ratio can be seen in various regions of India, and it has raised serious concerns regarding gender equality and the well-being of future generations.