The spread of sex selection in India: Not just the foreign hand

An recent article critiques the claims that colonial policies and international NGOs (INGOs) have fueled sex selection practices in India. The discussion is centered around the influence of American journalist Mara Hvistendahl's book, which links the spread of sex selection technologies to historical and contemporary socio-political factors.

Historical Context and Misinterpretations

• Colonial Policies: The authors argue that British colonial land and revenue policies inadvertently intensified female infanticide, a pre-colonial practice among certain Indian communities.
• Cultural Factors: They suggest that the cultural perception of "pride and purse" contributed to the humiliation surrounding unmarried daughters, further driving the practice.
• Misrepresentation of Data: DSS mistakenly use overall sex ratios instead of Child Sex Ratios (CSRs) to support their claims, leading to flawed conclusions about the timeline of sex selection practices.

Sex Selection Technologies and Their Spread

• Introduction of Technologies: The article clarifies that amniocentesis was introduced in 1975 but was not widely used for sex selection until ultrasound technology became available in the 1980s.
• Activism Against Abuse: Women's organizations and health activists played a critical role in banning sex determination tests, with significant legislative efforts beginning in the late 1980s.
• Complex Motivations: The push for sex selection is linked to economic pressures and the desire for smaller families, rather than solely traditional family values.

Accountability and Future Considerations

• Modern Family Dynamics: The contemporary Indian family faces pressures from economic development, state policies promoting small families, and societal expectations, leading to a preference for sons.
• Need for Further Research: There is a call for more nuanced research on the geopolitical implications of population control policies and the impact of international influences on Indian society.
• Policy Implications: The Prime Minister’s statement on population issues underscores the need for families to reflect on their responsibilities and aspirations in the context of India's demographic challenges.

Practice Question

Q: Critically analyze the factors contributing to the practice of sex selection in India, considering historical, cultural, and technological influences. How do these factors interact with contemporary family dynamics and state policies?