Question

Answer the questions given below based on the reading of the data given in the table:

Table 3: The Declining Sex-ratio in India, 1901-2011
Year	Sex ratio (all age groups)	Variation over the previous decade	Child Sex ratio (0-6 years)	Variation over the previous decade
1901	972	−	−	−
1911	964	−8	−	−
1921	955	−9	−	−
1931	950	−5	−	−
1941	945	−5	−	−
1951	946	+1	−	−
1961	941	−5	976	−
1971	930	−11	964	−12
1981	934	+4	962	−2
1991	927	−7	945	−17
2001	933	+6	927	−18
2011	943	+10	919	−8
Note: The sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1000 males; Data on age-specific sex ratios are not available before 1961. Source: Census of India 2011, Government of India.

1. What will be the consequences of gender imbalance?
2. Give reasons for the declining sex ratio in India before 2001.

Answer 1

1. Consequences of gender imbalance are as follows:
   • The functioning of the family as a social institution will get impaired.
   • Continuity of society will get affected.
   • Increased overall pressure on one gender.
   • Rise of crimes.
2. Reasons for declining sex ratio in India before 2001 are as follows:
   • Preference for male child.
   • Socio-cultural reasons such as dowry.
   • Neglect of girl babies.