The Sudden Decline in Sex Ratio: Causes and Explanations

Introduction:
The sudden decline in sex ratio, particularly in countries like India and China, has raised concerns and attracted attention from various stakeholders. The sex ratio refers to the number of males per 100 females in a population. In recent years, this ratio has shown a significant imbalance, with a decline in the number of females. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, and the most prominent causes are female foeticide, life expectancy rate, son preference, and maternal mortality rate.

Female Foeticide:
Female foeticide refers to the selective abortion of female fetuses due to a preference for male children. This practice is prevalent in societies where male heirs are highly valued, either for cultural, economic, or social reasons. Female foeticide leads to a reduction in the number of females being born, thereby contributing to the decline in the sex ratio.

Life Expectancy Rate:
Life expectancy rate refers to the average number of years a person is expected to live. In many countries, including India and China, women tend to have a higher life expectancy compared to men. This means that women have a longer lifespan, resulting in a higher proportion of females in the older age groups. As a result, the sex ratio becomes skewed towards females in these age brackets, contributing to the overall decline in the sex ratio.

Son Preference:
Son preference is another significant factor contributing to the decline in the sex ratio. In societies where male children are preferred, families may resort to methods such as female foeticide, abandonment of female infants, or neglect of female children. This preference for sons creates a gender imbalance, as families strive to ensure the birth of a male child, leading to a decline in the number of females.

Maternal Mortality Rate:
Maternal mortality rate refers to the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. High maternal mortality rates are often associated with inadequate healthcare facilities, lack of access to quality healthcare, and poor reproductive health services. In societies where maternal mortality rates are high, women may be reluctant to bear female children due to the potential health risks associated with childbirth. This can contribute to a decline in the number of females being born, further exacerbating the sex ratio imbalance.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the sudden decline in sex ratio can be attributed to various factors, including female foeticide, life expectancy rate, son preference, and maternal mortality rate. These factors interact and reinforce each other, leading to an imbalanced sex ratio. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach, including awareness campaigns, legal measures, improved healthcare facilities, and efforts to promote gender equality and women empowerment. By understanding the causes and implications of the declining sex ratio, societies can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for all genders.