Son Preference in India: Implications for Gender Development
نویسنده
چکیده
Using data from the Census of India and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), this paper analyzes trends in child sex ratios (0-6 years of age) and the increase in son preference in India. Latest census data (2011) shows that the child sex ratios (females per 1,000 males) have decreased compared to data from the last five decades. Increasing son preference and neglect of daughters is occurring in many states in India despite the advances made in education, literacy, health care, and income attainment. A skewed sex ratio and shortage of girls is detrimental to the health and welfare of women as well as the human development of India. Policymakers need to formulate appropriate policies coupled with strict enforcement laws in order to contain this grave trend in son preference, infanticide, neglect, and devaluation of women in India.
منابع مشابه
Gender bias against female children in India: Regional differences and their implications for MDGs
The millennium development goals accorded highest priorities for achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. South Asian countries and India are societies with strong patriarchal norms, a high degree of son preference and pervasive gender discriminations. Using National family health survey (1998-99) data, this paper adopts a multiple indicator approach to study gender bias on the basis ...
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تاریخ انتشار 2012