The seemingly paradoxical statistical revelation of a more favorable sex ratio for women among tribes compared to Scheduled Castes in India demands a nuanced exploration. At first glance, conventional wisdom might assume that marginalized communities, such as Scheduled Castes, would share similar gender demographic patterns. However, a closer examination unravels the intricate interplay of cultural, historical, and socio-economic factors influencing these disparities. The divergent trajectories of tribal and Scheduled Caste communities in India, each shaped by unique traditions, geographical contexts, and socio-political dynamics, contribute to the observed variations. In delving into this statistical anomaly, one must consider the impact of historical discrimination, differential access to education and healthcare, and prevailing gender norms within these distinct communities. Moreover, contextualizing the findings necessitates an analysis of government policies and affirmative action programs, which may have varying degrees of effectiveness across different socio-cultural landscapes. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of India’s diverse population, unraveling the enigma of sex ratios among tribes and Scheduled Castes requires a multidimensional perspective that goes beyond the surface-level statistics to unearth the underlying sociocultural intricacies shaping these demographic trends.
Tag: Salient Features of Indian Society.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, start your answer with census data.
- In Body, state the reasons behind the higher sex ratio amongst the ST community.
- Conclude your answer with a futuristic solution.
Answer:
The sex ratio in tribes is more favorable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled castes according to the Census 2011 Sex ratio among scheduled tribes is 990, while for scheduled castes is 945 and overall it is 943. The national average has dipped to 919 in 2011 from 927 in 2001. The decline in the child-sex ratio of STs is higher—it has declined from 973 to 957, but the child-gender ratio among STs is still better than the national average. The child sex ratio of STs is the best in Chhattisgarh at 993 and Odisha at 980.
Reasons behind higher sex ratio amongst ST community-
- SC community is the part of the caste system which always opt for Sanskritization. So, it always tries to emulate the practices of higher caste to raise their status. As the higher caste is driven by patriarchal norms, early marriages, child marriages, son meta-preference the SC community also indulge these practices in order to raise their status. On the other hand, ST community is never considered as a part of the caste system. They have their own indigenous identity. So, they don’t have such prejudices like SCs. As a result, sex ratio is higher among STs.
- Lack of access to prenatal detection or diagnostic systems due to poverty and lack of education leads to higher sex ratio among STs.
- Women are not treated as a liability but as an asset. Female infanticide is not noticed among ST community. There is no social bias against women in tribal communities such as there exists among the Schedule Castes. Women can ask for a divorce, and in many communities, money is paid to the girl’s family at the time of marriage. As a result, sex ratio is higher among STs.
- The economic contribution of women is prominent as compared to men in STs. They are the prime force for collecting forest produce, cultivation, etc livelihoods. As a result, the sex ratio is higher among STs.
- Moreover, isolation from mainstream society makes them aloof from social evils like -patriarchal norms, early marriages, child marriages, and son meta-preference. As a result, sex ratio is higher among STs.
Comparatively Scheduled castes follow the mainstream patriarchal culture and are better off than tribal and have private lands all this leads to discrimination against women. Despite the common belief that education will improve attitudes towards female children, this data shows that India’s least educated social groups are those with better sex ratios.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
