Sex Composition of India
Sex composition is one of the most fundamental aspects of population structure. It refers to the
numerical distribution of males and females in a given population and is a key demographic indicator
that reveals much about the social, economic, cultural, and biological characteristics of a society. It
is also an indicator of the extent of prevailing equity bw males and females at a given point of time.
In India, this composition is generally expressed through the sex ratio, defined as the number of
females per 1,000 males. This ratio is a vital tool in demographic analysis and social planning, offering
insights into gender equity, health status, reproductive behaviour, and the impact of cultural norms on
population dynamics.
In India, the sex ratio has historically remained unfavourable to females, indicating the persistent
effects of patriarchal norms, son preference, and gender-biased practices. According to the
Census of India 2011, the national sex ratio stood at 940 females per 1,000 males, showing a modest
increase from 933 in 2001. This slight improvement, while welcome, must be understood in the context
of a long history of declining ratios throughout the 20th century. The sex ratio was 972 in 1901, but
declined steadily over decades due to a complex interplay of social and biological factors. Particularly
sharp drops were recorded during the 1961–1971 and 1981–1991 periods, reflecting worsening gender
imbalances at birth and survival rates.
Table 1: Decadal Trends in Sex Ratio (1901–2011)
Census Sex Ratio (Females per 1000
Year Males)
1901 972
1951 946
1981 933
2001 933
2011 943
The persistent deficit of females in India can be traced to multiple causes. A natural biological trend
where slightly more males are born than females is seen globally, but in India this is aggravated by
sociocultural preferences. Practices such as female foeticide, infanticide, gender-based neglect,
and discriminatory access to healthcare and nutrition contribute heavily to the skewed sex ratio.
Even in the 21st century, patriarchal beliefs that regard sons as economic assets and daughters as
financial burdens (primarily due to dowry customs) continue to dominate Indian households. These
prejudices often result in selective abortion of female foetuses, especially in northern states. With
small family norms, many young couples do not go for a second child if the firstc hild is male.
The sex ratio at birth (SRB) is an important metric that highlights the degree of prenatal gender
discrimination. Between 1949–58, the sex ratio at birth in India was around 942 females per 1,000
males. However, data from 1981–91 showed this figure plummeting to 891, reflecting the increasing
availability and misuse of ultrasound technology for sex determination. Despite the implementation of
the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, illegal sex selection
continues to be practiced in many regions.
As of the 2011 Census, the child sex ratio (0–6 years) had fallen to 919, which is especially alarming.
A falling child sex ratio indicates that gender discrimination begins even before birth and continues
through early childhood.
Table 2: Regional Variation in Sex Ratio (2011)
State/UT Sex Ratio State-Level Patterns of Sex Ratio
(Females per
1000 Males)
The sex ratio in India shows wide regional variation, reflecting
differences in social structure, gender norms, and
Kerala 1084 development indicators across states. In the 2011 Census,
Kerala recorded the highest sex ratio at 1084 females per
Puducherry 1038 1,000 males, maintaining a consistent trend of female
advantage across all census years. This is largely due to
Tamil Nadu 996 Kerala’s high female literacy, better public health systems,
and progressive gender norms. Puducherry also reported a
Maharashtra 929 favourable ratio of 1038, indicating strong gender-sensitive
governance.
Punjab 895
In stark contrast, northern and northwestern states like
Haryana (879), Punjab (895), Delhi (868), and Chandigarh
Haryana 879
(818) reported the lowest sex ratios. These regions are
marked by deep-rooted patriarchal values, son preference,
Delhi 868 and widespread misuse of pre-natal sex determination
technologies, despite higher per capita incomes.
Chandigarh 818
Some states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal
National Average 943 have shown gradual improvements, thanks to growing literacy
and government awareness programs. Interestingly, several
tribal-dominated states—like Meghalaya (989) and Mizoram
(976)—record relatively higher sex ratios, as tribal communities often exhibit more egalitarian gender
relations.
Overall, 18 states and UTs have a sex ratio above the national average of 943, while the rest fall below
it. These patterns highlight the need for region-specific strategies to address gender imbalance in
India.
Government efforts have aimed to tackle this issue through legislation and awareness campaigns.
● The PCPNDT Act aims to prohibit sex selection and regulate diagnostic techniques.
● More recently, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme, launched in 2015, aims to address the
declining child sex ratio through awareness, education, and incentivizing girl child survival.
● Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21) shows an improvement in
sex ratio at birth, rising from 919 (NFHS-4) to 929, with several states like Gujarat, Rajasthan,
and Uttar Pradesh showing positive trends.
● Nonetheless, in some developed states such as Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra, the ratio has
slightly declined, indicating that gender bias transcends economic development and needs
targeted cultural interventions.
India’s sex composition also has long-term socio-economic implications. A persistent gender
imbalance can result in a phenomenon known as "marriage squeeze", where a shortage of women
leads to forced marriages, trafficking, and increased violence against women. Furthermore, a
skewed ratio reflects systemic gender inequality, impeding women’s participation in social, economic,
and political spheres.
The male population (in blue) slightly exceeds the female
population (in pink) across most age groups, reflecting India’s
long-standing trend of a skewed sex ratio due to cultural
preferences and gender-based disparities. The sex ratio
imbalance is especially evident in the younger cohorts,
highlighting ongoing concerns around gender inequality and
the need for social reforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sex composition
of India is shaped by both
biological tendencies and
deep-rooted socio-cultural
biases. While marginal
improvements have been made in
recent decades, the overall picture
remains a cause for concern,
especially in regard to the declining
child sex ratio. Addressing this
issue requires more than just legal
reform—it necessitates a change
in societal attitudes, the
empowerment of women, and the
elimination of gender-based
discrimination at all levels. Only
with sustained and inclusive efforts
can India hope to achieve a
balanced and just demographic
structure, which is vital for both
human development and national
progress.
