India, the world’s most populous country as of 2023, faces a significant demographic anomaly: a substantial excess of males over females. According to estimates from the United Nations and various demographic studies, there are around 45 million more men than women in India.
This disparity is not simply a result of natural population trends but is driven by a complex mix of cultural, social, economic, and political factors that have accumulated over decades.
The gender imbalance presents serious long-term challenges for Indian society, including social stability, public health, and human rights.
Son Preference in Indian Society
One of the most significant contributors to the gender imbalance in India is the deeply rooted cultural preference for sons. In many parts of Indian society, sons are seen as financial assets.
They are expected to inherit family property, support parents in old age, and perform important religious rites.
Daughters, on the other hand, are often perceived as financial liabilities due to the widespread practice of dowry, which, although illegal, is still prevalent in many regions.
This son preference leads to a range of discriminatory practices, including sex-selective abortion and neglect of female children. The introduction of ultrasound technology in the 1980s allowed for prenatal sex determination, which in turn led to a surge in sex-selective abortions.
Despite legal measures like the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act of 1994, enforcement has been inconsistent, and the practice continues in many areas.
Sex-Selective Abortion and Skewed Sex Ratios
The natural sex ratio at birth is around 105 males for every 100 females. However, in India, certain regions have reported significantly higher ratios, sometimes exceeding 120 boys for every 100 girls.
This unnatural skew is a direct consequence of sex-selective abortions, particularly in more affluent or educated families that can afford access to sex determination technologies.
The cumulative effect over decades has created a national gender imbalance. While the practice of sex-selective abortion may have declined in recent years due to increased awareness and stricter regulations, the demographic consequences remain visible.
Once a generation is born with a skewed ratio, the imbalance persists until that cohort ages out of the population.
Higher Mortality for Girls
In addition to sex-selective abortion, the neglect of female children has also played a significant role in creating India’s gender imbalance.
Girls are less likely to receive adequate nutrition, healthcare, and education in many households. This results in higher child mortality rates among girls compared to boys, especially in rural or impoverished areas.
Studies have shown that excess female child mortality contributes significantly to the overall gender gap.
When girls are not given the same access to vaccinations, medical treatment, or clean water as boys, it not only affects individual lives but also distorts the broader demographic balance.
Migration and Male-Dominated Labor Forces
Another factor that amplifies the male population in certain regions of India is internal migration. Millions of men migrate from rural areas to urban centers in search of work, often leaving their families behind.
This trend creates male-heavy populations in many cities, especially among the working-age population.
While this does not explain the entire national-level imbalance, it does compound the effects of other factors and affects the local gender ratios in specific areas.
In some industrial zones and large metropolitan areas, the ratio of men to women can be even more extreme due to the concentration of male labor.
Long-Term Social Consequences
A surplus of men in the population has serious implications for society. One of the most pressing concerns is the rise in "marriage squeeze", a situation where large numbers of men are unable to find partners.
This can lead to increased social frustration, mental health issues, and even unrest. In extreme cases, gender imbalance has been linked to higher rates of violence, trafficking, and exploitation of women.
The lack of women in society also places more pressure on those who do exist, sometimes leading to increased domestic responsibilities, societal control, or even polyandry in some communities.
Policy Measures
The Indian government has recognized the severity of the problem and has implemented several policies aimed at reversing the trend.
Campaigns like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) seek to change cultural attitudes and improve the status of girls through education and awareness.
However, legal enforcement of anti-sex-selection laws remains inconsistent, and changing deeply ingrained cultural norms takes time.
Solving India’s gender imbalance requires a holistic approach. Alongside stricter law enforcement, there must be continued efforts in education, economic empowerment of women, and community-based initiatives that challenge patriarchal values.
Only by addressing both the causes and consequences of the gender gap can India hope to correct this demographic imbalance in the future.
