How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?

Introduction

The sex ratio—defined as the number of females per 1,000 males—is a critical indicator of gender equity in a society. In India, the tribal communities consistently exhibit a more favourable sex ratio compared to the Scheduled Castes (SCs). For instance, as per the Census 2011, the sex ratio among Scheduled Tribes (STs) was 990 females per 1,000 males, while for SCs, it was 945 females per 1,000 males. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of socio-cultural practices, economic structures, and access to resources.

Key Factors Influencing the Favourable Sex Ratio in Tribes

Socio-Cultural Practices in Tribes vs Scheduled Castes

• Higher Gender Equity in Tribes

  • Tribal societies often follow matrilineal or egalitarian traditions, such as in Meghalaya's Khasi community, where women inherit property.
  • Women in tribal communities often participate in decision-making and economic activities, leading to a more balanced societal view of gender.
  • In contrast, SCs are more influenced by patriarchal norms prevalent in mainstream Indian society.

• Lower Son Preference in Tribes

  • Tribes generally exhibit lesser preference for male children, as daughters are equally valued for their contribution to the family economy.
  • Among SCs, son preference is more pronounced due to socio-religious factors like the belief in sons performing last rites.

• Absence of Dowry System in Tribes

  • Most tribal communities do not practice dowry, reducing the economic burden associated with daughters.
  • Among SCs, the dowry system is more prevalent, leading to a preference for male children.

Economic and Geographical Factors

• Traditional Livelihoods in Tribes

  • Tribal communities rely on subsistence agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, and collective labour, where both men and women contribute equally.
  • SCs, being more integrated into urban and semi-urban economies, face gendered labour divisions that devalue women's economic roles.

• Geographical Isolation of Tribes

  • Tribes often reside in remote and inaccessible areas, limiting their exposure to sex-selective technologies like ultrasound.
  • SCs, being more urbanised, have greater access to such technologies, contributing to female foeticide.

Social Discrimination and Access to Resources

• Impact of Caste-Based Discrimination on SCs

  • SCs face systemic discrimination in education, healthcare, and employment, which disproportionately affects women.
  • Poor access to healthcare leads to higher maternal mortality rates and lower survival rates for female children.

• Better Health Outcomes in Tribal Areas

  • Tribal women, despite limited healthcare access, benefit from community-based support systems and traditional knowledge of maternal care.

Challenges to the Tribal Sex Ratio

• Emerging Trends of Decline
  • With increasing urbanisation and mainstreaming, some tribal communities are adopting patriarchal practices, leading to a decline in their sex ratio.
  • For example, the decline in sex ratio among urbanised tribes like the Bhils and Gonds has been noted in recent studies.

Way Forward

• Preserve Tribal Egalitarian Practices
  • Promote cultural preservation of tribal traditions that value gender equity through education and awareness campaigns.
• Curb Sex-Selective Practices in SCs
  • Strengthen the implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act in SC-dominated areas.
• Improve Healthcare Access
  • Enhance maternal and child healthcare services in both tribal and SC communities to reduce gender-based mortality.
• Economic Empowerment of Women
  • Promote livelihood opportunities for women in SC and tribal communities to reduce economic biases against daughters.

Conclusion

The more favourable sex ratio among tribes reflects their egalitarian socio-cultural practices and limited exposure to patriarchal norms. However, with increasing urbanisation and mainstreaming, these advantages are at risk. Addressing the structural inequalities faced by SCs and preserving the progressive traditions of tribes are essential to achieving gender equity across all communities in India, in line with SDG 5 (Gender Equality).