Evidences show that many states in our country have shown wide variations in the gender balance. Throughout its long history, India experiences wide variety of cultures and traditions. However, it is unfortunate that this transitional phase led to creation of a culture where women are treated inferior to men. Also, it has been seen that the ideology and perception further differs on the basis of geographical areas too. On one hand, in a matriarchal society under southern parts, women are treated as leaders and natural heirs whereas on the other hand in northern parts they are not even allowed to born. It is also noticed that states differ in sex ratio on the basis of literacy as well. In this context, the present study aims to analyze the trends and their determinants of the skewed distribution among the states and the union territories of the country.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Literature Review
4. Objectives of the Study
5. Research Methodology
5.1 Data Source & Definition of Variables
5.2 Selection of Major States
6. Results and Discussion
7. Conclusion
Study Objectives and Core Themes
This study aims to conduct an inter-state comparative analysis of the gender imbalance in India by examining trends and determinants across states and union territories. It specifically investigates the impact of socioeconomic factors, literacy rates, and population density on sex ratio variations, while addressing the persistence of patriarchal norms and the influence of prenatal sex determination.
- Comparative analysis of sex ratio trends across Indian states and union territories.
- Evaluation of the relationship between literacy rates, population density, and gender parity.
- Examination of the decline in child sex ratios and the influence of prenatal diagnostic technologies.
- Assessment of government interventions and social policies aimed at promoting the girl child.
Excerpt from the Book
Introduction
India has the second highest population in the world. According to Census 2011, India reports second lowest sex ratio among ten most populated countries with China at the top. The pattern reflects a cause of great concern for the future of the society. Sex ratio acts as an important social indicator in measuring parity between males and females. Even after years of revolution, the preference for male child and existence of the patriarchal society still pertains in many of the families.
Low sex ratio portrays the inferior position of women in the society. The status of women in India has seen wide variations. In the Vedic age, women were worshipped as goddesses. Later, their statuses suffered a sharp decline and thus were treated as slaves. Besides this, during the past, in many areas, women were not even allowed to educate themselves believing that their primary job is to look after the house and family. However, women of the twenty first century have made progress in almost all the fields like education, health, administration, etc. In fact, women have also entered in the field of armed forces and aviation industry, which were earlier treated as male domain sectors.
The declining sex ratio is a matter of great concern since it can lead to serious damages to the society viz. demographic imbalances & increasing crime against women. The most plausible explanation for the decline in the number of girls is the Pre natal sex determination with selective abortion of female fetuses. Though, the practice is illegal in India but in many other countries it is still legal. Also, research & development has introduced various techniques and devices which serves the problem.
Selective sex abortion is considered to distort the naturally occurring ratio in India. The probable reasons responsible for such type of discrimination are orthodox thinking and socio economic pressure which leads to strong preference for male child considering him as an asset to the family who will bring respect and dignity.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides an overview of the regional variations in India's gender balance and the study's objective to analyze the determinants of skewed sex ratios.
Introduction: Discusses the historical context of women's status in India, the causes of declining sex ratios, and the societal preference for male children.
Literature Review: Summarizes previous academic research regarding the economic value of women, regional cultural differences, and the impact of technological advancements on gender demographics.
Objectives of the Study: Outlines the specific goals, including comparing BIMARU states, documenting union territory trends, and examining correlations between literacy, population density, and sex ratios.
Research Methodology: Describes the reliance on Census reports and the criteria used for selecting states based on productivity, literacy, and demographic indicators.
Results and Discussion: Analyzes statistical data regarding sex ratios across different states and union territories, highlighting improvements and declines over several decades.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, noting that while gender gaps widened post-independence, there have been improvements post-1991 due to better health care and social awareness.
Keywords
gender, sex ratio, women, child, feticide, BIMARU states, literacy rate, population density, demographic imbalance, India, prenatal sex determination, gender parity, socioeconomic factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on analyzing the trends and determinants of the skewed gender balance and sex ratio across various Indian states and union territories.
What are the key themes addressed in the study?
The study covers the historical status of women, the impact of socioeconomic pressures, literacy's role in gender equality, and the consequences of selective abortion.
What is the core objective of the work?
The goal is to document sex ratio trends and investigate the correlation between demographic/social indicators and the parity between males and females in India.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The study utilizes secondary data analysis based on Census reports, comparative state analysis, and statistical examination of trends over several decades.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body discusses historical trends, the impact of literacy and population density, comparisons of BIMARU states, and the effectiveness of government schemes.
Which keywords define this publication?
Key terms include gender, sex ratio, feticide, literacy rate, population density, and demographic imbalance.
How do BIMARU states specifically impact the findings?
The study highlights that these economically poorer states show significant periodic variations and historical trends in sex ratios that require focused analysis.
What is the relationship between literacy and sex ratio according to the author?
The relationship is found to be contradictory; while some states show a positive correlation, others indicate that higher literacy does not automatically guarantee gender parity.
What are the primary factors mentioned for the decline in the number of girls?
The author identifies orthodox thinking, socioeconomic pressure, preference for a male heir, and the misuse of prenatal diagnostic technologies as primary factors.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Ramanpreet Kaur Nayyar (Autor:in), Tanya Nautival (Autor:in), 2017, Inter-State Comparative Analysis. Trends and Determinants causing Gender Imbalance in India, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/377780
