Assess the gender dimensions of India’s declining sex ratio at birth. Analyse how son-preference persists despite welfare schemes targeting girl children. Suggest multi-sectoral interventions to address this demographic concern.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Population and associated issues
Topic: Population and associated issues
Q2. Assess the gender dimensions of India’s declining sex ratio at birth. Analyse how son-preference persists despite welfare schemes targeting girl children. Suggest multi-sectoral interventions to address this demographic concern. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: TH
Why the question India’s continuously declining sex ratio at birth despite long-running welfare schemes and growing global concerns over gender imbalance reflected in recent NFHS-5 and CRS 2022 data. Key Demand of the question The question demands assessment of socio-cultural factors behind declining sex ratio, critical analysis of persistence of son-preference despite existing schemes, and a multi-sectoral approach to address the issue. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly highlight that declining sex ratio reflects deep-seated gender bias despite legal and policy efforts. Body Gender dimensions: Discuss patriarchy, dowry system, economic valuation of sons, technology misuse, and undervaluation of women’s unpaid labour. Persistence of son-preference: Analyse weaknesses in behavioural change, low financial incentive, poor implementation, male exclusion, and lack of inter-department coordination. Multi-sectoral interventions: Suggest legal strengthening, inheritance reforms, education-skilling, behaviour change campaigns, and male sensitization. Conclusion Emphasize that only a holistic change in societal mindset and governance approach can ensure sustainable gender balance.
Why the question India’s continuously declining sex ratio at birth despite long-running welfare schemes and growing global concerns over gender imbalance reflected in recent NFHS-5 and CRS 2022 data.
Key Demand of the question The question demands assessment of socio-cultural factors behind declining sex ratio, critical analysis of persistence of son-preference despite existing schemes, and a multi-sectoral approach to address the issue.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Briefly highlight that declining sex ratio reflects deep-seated gender bias despite legal and policy efforts.
• Gender dimensions: Discuss patriarchy, dowry system, economic valuation of sons, technology misuse, and undervaluation of women’s unpaid labour.
• Persistence of son-preference: Analyse weaknesses in behavioural change, low financial incentive, poor implementation, male exclusion, and lack of inter-department coordination.
• Multi-sectoral interventions: Suggest legal strengthening, inheritance reforms, education-skilling, behaviour change campaigns, and male sensitization.
Conclusion Emphasize that only a holistic change in societal mindset and governance approach can ensure sustainable gender balance.