Subject: Indian Society

The contrasting sex ratios between Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India reflect deep-rooted socio-cultural patterns and economic structures, with tribal communities showing a more favorable ratio of 990 females per 1000 males compared to 945 among SCs.

Factors Contributing to Better Sex Ratio in Tribal Communities

• Cultural Egalitarianism: Tribal societies traditionally practice more gender-equal customs and social norms, leading to better status of women.

• Matrilineal Systems: Many tribal communities like the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes follow matrilineal inheritance patterns, enhancing women's social position.

• Economic Participation:

  • Women in tribal communities actively participate in economic activities like forest produce collection and agriculture.
  • Their economic contribution leads to higher social value and better treatment of girl children.

• Limited Technology Access:

  • Remote locations of tribal areas restrict access to sex-determination technologies.
  • This natural barrier helps prevent sex-selective practices.

Factors Affecting Sex Ratio in Scheduled Castes

• Patriarchal Influence:

  • Greater exposure to mainstream patriarchal values affects SC communities more significantly.
  • Strong son preference exists due to social and economic factors.

• Technological Access:

  • Being closer to urban areas, SCs have greater access to sex-determination facilities.
  • This accessibility, combined with son preference, leads to sex-selective practices.

• Economic Pressures:

  • Dowry system's prevalence creates financial burden associated with daughters.
  • Limited economic resources often influence gender-biased decisions.

Recent Trends and Changes

• Convergence Pattern: Recent studies show convergence in sex ratios between different social groups, as indicated by post-2001 data.

• Policy Impact: Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and strict implementation of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act are showing positive results, with national SRB improving from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24.

The more favorable sex ratio among tribal communities demonstrates how traditional egalitarian values and women's economic participation can naturally foster gender equality, offering valuable lessons for broader social reform through programs like POSHAN Abhiyaan and Mission Shakti.