Q11.How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?

The more favourable sex ratio among Tribes compared to Scheduled Castes reflects distinct socio-cultural and economic factors influencing gender dynamics.

Factors in Tribal Communities

• Tribal societies often exhibit egalitarian gender norms, less dowry pressure, and higher female economic participation, reducing son preference.
• Traditional values and limited access to sex-selective technologies contribute to lower female feticide/infanticide rates.
• Cultural practices frequently accord women significant roles and status.

Factors in Scheduled Caste Communities

• Scheduled Castes, often integrated into broader Hindu social structures, adopt patriarchal norms like dowry and son preference.
• Economic vulnerability among SCs intensifies son preference, viewing sons as primary breadwinners and old-age security, leading to higher female feticide/infanticide.
• This contrasts with the more equitable traditional systems in tribal communities.

Ultimately, the divergence stems from tribal societies' egalitarian structures versus the assimilation of patriarchal norms and economic pressures within SC communities.