Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments.

Introduction

India's adverse sex ratio—defined as the number of females per 1,000 males—remains a paradox in many prosperous regions like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat. Despite economic growth, these regions exhibit a skewed sex ratio, with the 2011 Census reporting a national average of 940 females per 1,000 males, but much lower figures in these states. This anomaly reflects deep-rooted socio-cultural biases that persist despite material prosperity.

Key Dimensions of Adverse Sex Ratio in Prosperous Regions

Socio-Cultural Factors Behind Adverse Sex Ratio

• Patriarchal Mindset:

  • Prosperity has not eroded patriarchal norms that prioritize male heirs for lineage and inheritance.
  • Example: In Haryana, the "khandan" (family name) is often associated with male descendants.

• Son Preference:

  • Economic affluence amplifies the desire for a male child to inherit wealth and manage family businesses.
  • UNFPA reports show that son preference is higher in wealthier households in India.

• Dowry System:

  • Despite economic growth, dowry practices persist, making daughters perceived as a financial burden.
  • Example: In Punjab, dowry inflation has been linked to rising incomes.

Economic and Technological Factors

• Access to Sex-Selective Technology:

  • Prosperous regions have better access to ultrasound technology, enabling sex-selective abortions.
  • Example: The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, has been poorly enforced in states like Haryana.

• Low Female Workforce Participation:

  • Economic growth has not translated into gender parity in employment.
  • Example: In Gujarat, female labor force participation is only 18.7% (PLFS 2021), reinforcing the perception of women as dependents.

Social Implications of Adverse Sex Ratio

• Marriage Squeeze:

  • A skewed sex ratio leads to a shortage of brides, increasing instances of trafficking and forced marriages.
  • Example: Haryana has seen a rise in bride-buying practices from poorer states like Bihar.

• Gender-Based Violence:

  • Regions with adverse sex ratios often report higher cases of domestic violence and crimes against women.

• Demographic Imbalance:

  • A skewed sex ratio disrupts the natural demographic balance, affecting long-term social stability.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Legal Frameworks:

  • Strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act and harsher penalties for violations.

• Behavioral Change Campaigns:

  • Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao should focus on patriarchal mindsets and promote the value of daughters.

• Economic Empowerment of Women:

  • Policies to increase female workforce participation and reduce economic dependency.

• Community-Led Interventions:

  • Local leaders and NGOs should work to challenge dowry practices and promote gender equality.

Conclusion

The adverse sex ratio in prosperous regions of India highlights the disconnect between economic growth and social progress. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that combines legal enforcement, economic empowerment, and cultural transformation. Achieving gender equity is not just a moral imperative but also essential for India's sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality.