SEX RATIO OF INDIA’S POPULATION: A STUDY OF REGIONAL PATTERNS

The sex ratio of population in a country is an important indicator that reflects the socio-economic pulse of the country. The distribution of female to males in a society has therefore attracted considerable attention from scholars. A balanced sex ratio, whereby the number of males and females are almost equal would be the ideal situation. Based on 2001 census data, this article attempts to understand regional patterns of sex ratio in India. Owing to quite diverse cultural contours of the country, there are notable regional differences in socio-cultural ethos. No wonder quite different shades of patriarchy are found across the country resulting in large variations in female status which, in turn, also influence mortality rate of females. This study shows that regional variations in sex ratio in the country are mainly connected with two factors, firstly, difference in mortality of males and females, and, secondly, notable incidence of male-selectivity in migration in the country.