Population Ratio Of Indian Women: Variations And Challenges – OpEd
Population ratio refers to the proportional relationship between different demographic groups within a population. It compares the size of one group to another, often expressed as a ratio or per-unit figure, such as the number of females per 1,000 males. These ratios help identify trends in gender balance, rural-urban distribution, or age groups within a population. Its overview include:
a. Types of Population Ratios:
Sex Ratio (Male-Female Ratio): Measures the number of females per 1,000 males. Example: India’s 2011 sex ratio was 940 females per 1,000 males.
Rural-Urban Ratio: Compares the population living in rural areas to urban areas. Example: 67% rural vs. 33% urban population in India.
Age Group Ratios: Compares different age segments of a population. Example: The dependency ratio measures the number of dependents (children and elderly) relative to the working-age population.
Workforce Participation Ratio: Compares the economically active population (those employed or seeking work) to the total population. Example: India’s female labour force participation ratio is ~20%.
b. Significance of Population Ratios:
Planning and Policy Making: Helps governments allocate resources (e.g., healthcare, education). Identifying Social Trends: Reveals gender imbalances or urbanization trends.
Economic Insights: Workforce ratios show labour availability and economic participation.
Demographic Forecasting: Helps predict future changes in population structure (e.g., aging population).
In short, population ratios provide a clearer comparison between different population groups, offering insights that go beyond absolute numbers. As of the latest data from the Census of India 2011, the gender ratio of India was 940 females per 1,000 males. The 2021 census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so more recent data is unavailable. However, estimates from organizations like the World Bank and UN suggest improvements in the gender ratio in recent years. Here’s a broad view:
c. Key Statistics:
Female Population: About 48% of the total population (~680 million).
Male Population: Around 52%. Sex Ratio at Birth (2023 estimates): ~929 females per 1,000 males.
Literacy Rate: 70.3% for women vs. 84.7% for men (as per 2011 Census).
Life Expectancy: Women typically live longer, with an average life expectancy of 71.4 years (2021 estimates) compared to 68.7 years for men.
Unique features of ratio
The population ratio of Indian women reveals several unique socio-demographic features that reflect cultural, economic, and policy factors:
a. Skewed Gender Ratio:
Preference for Sons: In some regions, son preference has led to practices like sex-selective abortions and female infanticide, especially in states like Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
Sex Ratio at Birth: Remains imbalanced (~929 females per 1,000 males), despite strict laws against sex determination.
b. Regional Variation in Gender Ratio:
Northern vs. Southern States: Northern states like Haryana and Punjab have a low sex ratio (~920-930 females/1,000 males), whereas southern states like Kerala (~1,084) and Tamil Nadu (~996) show a healthier ratio.
Tribal Communities: Some tribal populations in states like Meghalaya and Nagaland have matrilineal systems with more balanced or favourable gender ratios.
c. Rural-Urban Divide:
Better Sex Ratios in Rural Areas: Rural India (~949 females per 1,000 males) often shows better ratios compared to urban India (~929 females/1,000 males), possibly due to migration patterns where men move to cities for work.
d. Impact of Migration Patterns:
Male-Dominated Internal Migration: Men migrate more for jobs, leading to skewed urban ratios, while women remain in villages. This creates gender disparities in urban areas and aging populations in rural regions.
e. Impact of Life Expectancy and Mortality:
Higher Life Expectancy for Women: On average, women live longer than men (71.4 years vs. 68.7 years), contributing to a better sex ratio among older populations.
Maternal Mortality Impact: Maternal deaths have historically reduced the population of women, though improvements in healthcare are changing this trend.
f. Changing Ratios Due to Policy Interventions:
Government Schemes: Programs like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have been launched to address gender imbalance, especially in regions with adverse sex ratios.
Strict Regulation of Prenatal Testing: The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act seeks to curb sex-selective abortions.
g. Marriage Squeeze in Some Regions:
Shortage of Brides: In states with very low female populations (e.g., Haryana and Rajasthan), men face difficulties finding brides, leading to cross-border marriages and other social consequences.
h. Gender Imbalance and Employment Patterns:
Low Female Workforce Participation: Despite improvements, only ~20% of women participate in the labour force (2021), which affects population movement and urban-rural gender ratios. These factors make the gender ratio in India more complex than just a numeric imbalance, with deep cultural and economic underpinnings shaping the population structure.
Variation and challenges
The population features of male-female and rural-urban distribution in India reveal intricate demographic patterns driven by migration, cultural norms, economic opportunities, and health outcomes. Below is a detailed breakdown:
a. Male-Female Distribution:
Sex Ratio (2011 Census):Overall: 940 females per 1,000 males. Projected for 2023: Around 950-955 females per 1,000 males (slight improvement due to policy interventions).
Age Wise Male-Female Ratio: 0-6 years: 919 girls per 1,000 boys (reflecting gender bias at birth)Adults (15-59 years): Skewed towards men, as men are more involved in labour-related migration. Elderly (60+ years): Higher female population due to longer life expectancy for women (~71.4 years vs. ~68.7 years for men).
Causes of Male-Female Imbalance: Son preference in patriarchal societies. Female foeticide and infanticide, despite laws like PCPNDT. Maternal mortality in some regions still impacts female survival rates.
b. Rural-Urban Population Distribution:
Rural Population: ~65-70% of the total population (as of 2023 estimates) Urban Population: ~30-35% (gradually increasing due to urbanization and migration)
c. State-Wise Male-Female and Rural-Urban Variations.
Better Female Ratios: Kerala:1,084 females/1,000 males (both rural and urban). Chhattisgarh: 991 females/1,000 males. Meghalaya: Favours females due to a matrilineal system.
Poor Female Ratios: Haryana: 879 females/1,000 males. Punjab: 895 females/1,000 males. These states also have significant urban populations with severe gender imbalances.
d. Impact of Rural-Urban Divide on Social Indicators:
Education: Urban areas show better female literacy (~79%) than rural areas (~59%). Healthcare Access: Rural areas have poorer healthcare infrastructure, affecting maternal health and life expectancy.
Employment: Women’s labour force participation is higher in rural areas, primarily in agriculture, while urban areas see fewer women in formal jobs.
e. Key Trends and Future Projections:
Urbanization is accelerating:India’s urban population is projected to reach ~40% by 2035. Improved gender ratios: With better education and awareness, sex ratios in some regions are improving (e.g., Haryana through Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao).
Aging Population: The elderly population, especially women, is growing in both rural and urban areas due to improved life expectancy.
In summary, rural India has a higher female population ratio due to male migration and cultural practices, while urban areas show a male-dominated demographicdue to labour migration. These features highlight the dynamic interplay between gender, migration, and regional developmentin shaping India’s population structure.
