The Silent Struggle: Reflecting on son preference in India by Dr. Dee | Feminine Systems

The Silent Preference for Sons in India

In India, the preference for male children over female has been a longstanding cultural norm. Not necessarily a portrayal in a Tamil classic movie “Karuthamma”, the preference still exists in silence even in affluent families. Despite advancements in education and women’s rights, this bias persists, influencing family dynamics and societal structures.

The women are the last to eat in most families, making them eat leftovers and eventually contributing to high malnutrition rates in India. The NFHS-5 survey revealed that 18.7% of women are underweight, while 24% are either overweight or obese. This signifies a growing trend of both undernutrition and overnutrition among Indian women. Additionally, a substantial 55.3% of women in India suffer from anemia, further highlighting the nutritional challenges they face. This is a form of structural violence that prevails in the culture and society.

Understanding the Underlying Factors

• Economic Considerations: Sons are traditionally seen as financial supporters of the family, while daughters are often viewed as economic burdens due to dowry practices.
• Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Patriarchal norms and rituals often place sons in roles of lineage carriers and performers of last rites, reinforcing their perceived importance. Social conditioning and narratives play a significant role.
• Social Security: In the absence of robust social welfare systems, families rely on sons for support in old age, further entrenching the preference. Trust me, in most families this assumption and prejudice is still there.

Consequences of Gender Bias

• Sex-Selective Practices: Advancements in prenatal sex determination have facilitated sex-selective abortions, contributing to the skewed sex ratio.
• Neglect of Girl Children: Daughters often receive less nutrition, healthcare, and education, leading to higher mortality rates and limited opportunities.
• Psychological Impact: Girls growing up in environments where they are undervalued may experience diminished self-worth and mental health challenges.

She is not given an equal opportunity to even survive. At Feminine Systems by Dr. Dee, we want to design systems and culture where a woman thrives.

Pathways to Change

• Legal Enforcement: Strengthening the implementation of laws prohibiting sex-selective practices and dowry can deter discriminatory behaviors. Practicing the equality of property rights for daughters.
• Educational Initiatives: Promoting gender equality through education can challenge societal norms and empower future generations.
• Economic Empowerment: Providing women with access to education and employment opportunities can shift perceptions of daughters as liabilities.
• Community Engagement: Grassroots movements and awareness campaigns can foster cultural shifts towards valuing daughters equally.

It requires large-scale mindset change.

The preference for sons over daughters in India is a complex issue rooted in historical, economic, and cultural factors. However, change is possible. By confronting these biases in a gentle style, we can pave the way for a future where every child, regardless of gender, is valued and cherished.