Evolving Patterns of Child Sex Ratio in India

Abstract

The article focuses on the geographical dimension of child sex ratio (CSR) and its evolving pattern for the last 40 years (1981–2011). Using a spatial statistical approach, it has been possible to identify homogeneous groups of objects in the study area. The study considered the role of spatial proximity of cultural diffusion which spreads rapidly regardless of the position of groups within a social structure. In doing so, the article tried to conceptualise the role of region in shaping its gender. The study explained declining CSR through the process of two mechanisms: one, the regional pull, that is, a region exerts a force so as to cause a movement towards itself and the other, diffusion of knowledge and ideational changes. Finally, the study has tried to measure the effect of socio-economic variables on CSR through a regression model.