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

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Reasons for Adverse Sex Ratio in Prosperous Regions:

• Preference for Male Heirs:
  • Prosperous regions often exhibit a strong preference for male children, as sons are seen as carriers of the family name and inheritors of wealth and property.
  • Example: In Haryana and Punjab, traditional norms emphasize male dominance in lineage and inheritance, contributing to a skewed sex ratio.
• Access to Sex-Selective Technologies:
  • Wealthier regions have better access to ultrasound technologies, enabling prenatal sex determination despite its prohibition under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
  • Example: States like Punjab, with higher per capita incomes, report higher incidences of sex-selective abortions (NFHS-5, 2019–2021).
• Burden of Dowry:
  • The dowry system is prevalent in many prosperous areas, and the associated financial burden often reinforces a preference for male children.
  • Example: In Punjab, dowry expectations remain significant despite economic progress, influencing decisions around family composition.
• Patriarchal Norms:
  • Prosperity does not necessarily challenge patriarchal mindsets. Many affluent communities uphold traditional gender roles that devalue daughters, perpetuating adverse sex ratios.
  • Example: In Haryana, despite economic growth, cultural practices such as Khap Panchayat’s gender norms continue to favor male offspring.
• Economic Security Through Sons:
  • Wealth often amplifies the desire to ensure the continuity of property and financial security through male heirs, sidelining daughters in inheritance matters.
  • Example: Wealthy landowning families in Gujarat and Punjab often prefer male children to manage assets and continue the family business.
• Social Pressure and Status:
  • The preference for male children is linked to status and social prestige in affluent societies, where sons are perceived as symbols of power and continuity.
  • Example: In Rajasthan, sons are seen as essential for performing religious and cultural rites, particularly in wealthy communities.
• Delayed Cultural Shifts:
  • Economic progress in these regions has not been accompanied by progressive gender attitudes. Cultural practices that favor boys persist despite advancements in wealth and infrastructure.
  • Example: The Global Gender Gap Report (2023) highlights India’s challenges in bridging gender equality in socio-cultural practices despite economic development.