Declining Sex Ratio at birth in India: Reflection of Economic and Socio-Cultural Preferences Reddy V. Hari Prasad1, Dr. Sivappa M.2, Dr. Chandrasekarayya T.3 1Research Scholar, Dept. of Population Studies & Social Work, S.V. University, Tirupati, A.P, 517502 2I.C.S.S.R, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Dept. of Population Studies & Social Work, S.V. University, Tirupati, A.P-517502 3Assistant Professor, Dept. of Population Studies & Social Work, S.V. University, Tirupati, A.P-517502 Online published on 7 October, 2019. Abstract Gender equality is a core development objective in its own right and also smart economics. Moreover, greater gender equality can enhance productivity, improve development outcomes for the next generation, and make institutions more representative. At present, declining sex ratio at birth is a silent emergency. But the crisis is real, and its persistence has profound and frightening implications for society and the future of humankind. Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) refers to male births per female births. The lowest-ever sex ratio at birth overshadowed decrease in the child sex ratio of 914 in 2011-as it reflects a continued preference for a male child. As per the Census of 2011, the overall sex ratio had gone up by seven points to touch 940, against 933 in Census 2001, while the child sex ratio plummeted to 914 from 927. Sex Ratio is the number of women against 1, 000 men, while Child Sex Ratio (CSR) is the number of girls against 1, 000 boys in the age group of 0–6. The overall sex ratio had increased, but still there is concern at the decline in the child sex ratio, because of decline in sex ratio at birth. The declining child sex ratio that came as a shocker in the latest (2011) census figures shows 914 girls, and this is the lowest ever since Independence, slipping from 927 in 2001. The present paper examines decline in sex ratio at birththereby the declining pattern of child sex ratio in India and its major statesbased on census data along with other sources. The paper alsodiscusses causes andsevere consequences along with implications to overcome the issue in India. Top Keywords Sex Ratio at birth, Child sex ratio, Female foeticide, Son preference, Economic and Socio-Cultural motives. Top |