UPSC Mains Answer: Why do some of the most prosperous regions Of India have an adverse Sex ratio for Women? Give your arguments.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Sub-category: Society (Gender Issues and Social Empowerment)

Introduction

India’s demographic paradox—where economic prosperity coexists with a skewed sex ratio—reflects deep-rooted socio-cultural biases. Despite advancements in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, the adverse sex ratio (fewer than 900 females per 1,000 males) persists, underscoring systemic gender discrimination.

Body

Historical and Cultural Factors

Patriarchal norms, such as the preference for male heirs to inherit property and perform last rites, have historically devalued female lives. Prosperity exacerbates this bias by enabling access to sex-selective technologies like ultrasound and abortion, which are misused to eliminate female fetuses (female feticide).

Economic Paradox

Wealthier regions often exhibit higher dowry demands, making daughters a financial burden. Additionally, mechanization in agriculture reduces the economic utility of women, further diminishing their perceived value. Urbanization and nuclear families also weaken traditional support systems for women.

Policy and Enforcement Gaps

While laws like the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, aim to curb sex-selective abortions, weak enforcement and corruption undermine their efficacy. Social awareness campaigns have had limited impact due to entrenched mindsets.

Social Consequences

The adverse sex ratio leads to phenomena like bride trafficking, increased violence against women, and social instability. It also perpetuates cycles of gender inequality, affecting future generations.

Conclusion

Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach: stringent enforcement of laws, community-led awareness programs, economic incentives for girl children, and societal shifts toward gender equality. Prosperity must be leveraged to empower women, not marginalize them further.