Question

How does female foeticide affect the sex ratio in a country?

Hint:

Female foeticide creates a distorted sex ratio, which can lead to long-term social and demographic challenges, including increased violence and instability.

Answer 1

Female foeticide leads to a distorted sex ratio in a country, where the number of females is significantly lower than the number of males. This imbalance can result in a "surplus" of men, with a shortage of women in the population. Such an imbalance disrupts family structures and can have long-term negative effects on social and cultural development.
Step 1: The demographic effect of female foeticide.
In regions where female foeticide is prevalent, the natural sex ratio (which is typically around 1:1) becomes skewed. This results in fewer females being born, and over time, the gap between the male and female population widens, leading to a severe gender imbalance.
Step 2: Social consequences of a distorted sex ratio.
A skewed sex ratio can have a range of social consequences. It can lead to challenges in finding marriage partners, which may result in increased societal tension, human trafficking, and a rise in violence against women. Additionally, this imbalance can affect economic and social stability, with fewer women contributing to the workforce and family life.