Question

“Indian population is male-dominated”. Give three reasons to support this statement.

Answer 1

1. Sex Ratio Disparity: India has historically exhibited a skewed sex ratio in favour of males. The sex ratio, defined as the number of females per 1,000 males, has often been lower than the global average, reflecting a demographic imbalance. Cultural preferences, societal norms favouring sons, and issues like female infanticide and neglect contribute significantly to this disparity.
2. Lower Female Literacy Rates: National demographic attributes indicate that female literacy rates are generally lower compared to male literacy rates. This educational gap limits women's opportunities in various sectors and perpetuates male dominance in decision-making and employment.
3. Lower Female Participation in the Workforce: The working population statistics reveal that a smaller percentage of females are part of the economically active population. Many women remain engaged in unpaid domestic work or informal sectors that are not recorded officially, leading to under-representation in formal economic and administrative spheres.

These points collectively emphasise the demographic and socio-economic factors that contribute to male dominance in India.