Question

How is Sex Ratio measured?

Hint:

The sex ratio is always expressed as females per 1000 males. In exams, clearly write the formula and give one numerical example. Relating it to India's census data can earn you extra marks.

Answer 1

The sex ratio is one of the most vital demographic indicators that provides insight into the composition of a population in terms of gender balance. It measures the number of females per 1000 males in a population. This ratio is significant because it directly affects social structure, marriage patterns, and the overall demographic health of a society.
Formula:
\[ \text{Sex Ratio} = \frac{\text{Number of females in a population}}{\text{Number of males in a population}} \times 1000 \] Explanation:
- If there are equal numbers of men and women in a population, the sex ratio will be 1000, indicating perfect gender balance.
- If the sex ratio is less than 1000, it means there are fewer women compared to men in the population.
- If the sex ratio is more than 1000, it indicates that women outnumber men.
Example:
Suppose a population has 50,000 females and 52,000 males. Then: \[ \text{Sex Ratio} = \frac{50,000}{52,000} \times 1000 = 962 \] This means there are 962 females per 1000 males in the population.
Importance of Sex Ratio:
1. It helps in understanding the gender balance of a country or a region.
2. It reflects social conditions— a low sex ratio often indicates gender-based discrimination, female foeticide, infanticide, or neglect of girl children.
3. It is crucial for planning resources, especially in the context of healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for women.
4. A low sex ratio can lead to long-term social issues such as imbalance in marriage patterns, trafficking, and crimes against women.
5. A high sex ratio indicates better status of women in society, reflecting progress towards gender equality.
Sex Ratio in India:
According to census data, India historically has had a lower sex ratio (less than 1000) due to socio-cultural factors such as preference for sons, but in recent decades efforts have been made to improve it through government schemes and awareness programs.