Despite decades of economic growth and rising prosperity, patriarchal bias against daughters remains deeply entrenched in Indian society. The latest data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals a troubling trend: the child sex ratio (0-6 years) has declined further, indicating a persistent preference for sons over daughters. This phenomenon is not limited to poor or uneducated households but cuts across income and education levels, suggesting that material progress alone cannot dismantle deep-rooted gender biases.
The Stark Reality of Son Preference
The NFHS-5 data shows that the child sex ratio dropped from 919 females per 1,000 males in 2015-16 to 899 in 2019-21. This decline is particularly sharp in prosperous states like Haryana, Punjab, and Gujarat, which have witnessed rapid economic growth. Even in urban areas and among affluent families, the desire for a male child remains strong, often leading to sex-selective abortions or neglect of girl children. The preference for sons is driven by patrilineal inheritance norms, dowry practices, and the belief that sons are essential for old-age security and performing last rites.
Education and Wealth Not Enough
Contrary to expectations, higher education and wealth do not significantly reduce son preference. In fact, the NFHS data indicates that women with 12 or more years of schooling have a slightly lower desired sex ratio than those with less education, but the difference is marginal. Similarly, households in the highest wealth quintile show only a modest improvement in the child sex ratio compared to the poorest. This suggests that cultural norms and patriarchal values are resistant to change through economic development alone.
Government Schemes and Their Limitations
The government has launched several schemes to address gender bias, such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) and conditional cash transfers like the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. While these initiatives have improved school enrollment and health outcomes for girls, they have not reversed the declining child sex ratio. Experts argue that such schemes often treat girls as a liability that needs compensation rather than challenging the underlying discriminatory mindset. Moreover, the enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act remains weak, with few convictions for sex determination.
The Role of Cultural and Social Norms
Anthropological studies highlight that son preference is deeply embedded in India's kinship systems, where daughters are seen as 'paraya dhan' (others' wealth) who leave the natal family after marriage. This perception leads to lower investment in girls' health, education, and nutrition. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this disparity, with reports of increased child marriage and school dropout among girls. The economic stress during the pandemic also led to a resurgence in son preference, as families perceived sons as better equipped to handle financial crises.
The Way Forward
Addressing patriarchal bias requires a multi-pronged approach beyond economic growth. Legal reforms must be strictly enforced, including the PCPNDT Act and laws against dowry and child marriage. Social campaigns should target not just families but also community leaders, religious institutions, and media to challenge stereotypes. Education curricula should promote gender equality from an early age. Additionally, economic policies that empower women through property rights and employment opportunities can gradually shift perceptions. The state must also create a supportive ecosystem for daughters, such as better law enforcement and accessible childcare, to reduce the perceived burden of raising a girl child.
In conclusion, prosperity alone cannot erase patriarchal bias against daughters. Without a concerted effort to change cultural norms and enforce legal protections, the gender gap will persist, betraying the very daughters whom society claims to value.
