Which is the main reason responsible for the decline in sex ratio?

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2

Key Points

• The sex ratio has been declining in India for many reasons.
• From 972 females per 1000 males at the turn of the twentieth century, the sex ratio has declined to 933 at the turn of the twenty-first century.
• Preference given to son by parents- In India Son is given more preferences than daughter, as a result negligence of girl babies in infancy, leading to higher death rates.
• Sex selective abortion- This is also a reason for declining sex ratio. Though it is illegal in India, many private firm involved in Sex selective abortion.

Additional Information

• Sex ratio means the number of females per 1000 males.
• This ratio gives the number of females in 1000 males.
• Deviations in this trend have been observed very frequently.
• This is given by an age-related pattern—higher at a very young age, narrowing with increasing age, and dropping below 100 by middle age.
• Several reasons for the decline in the sex ratio in India-
  • Female infanticide
  • Many young couples choose not to have a second child if the first is a boy.
  • The popularity of the dowry habit discourage in taking girl child
  • Poverty and lack of education is also a reason.