Introduction
Demographic attributes are essential quantitative aspects that provide a clear understanding of the population’s characteristics in a particular geographic area. These attributes include the age structure, sex ratio, and dependency ratio, among others, and help in analyzing the population’s social, economic, and cultural patterns. Understanding these attributes allows policymakers and researchers to make informed decisions about resource allocation, planning, and addressing various societal issues. In this article, we will explore these demographic attributes in detail and analyze how they shape the population dynamics.
What Are Demographic Attributes?
Demographic attributes refer to the quantifiable characteristics that provide insights into the structure, composition, and features of a population in any geographic area. They help in understanding:
- Structural features of the population
- Quantifiable and statistical data about the population
- Social, political, economic, and cultural aspects
By analyzing demographic attributes, we can gather information about age, gender, and dependency levels, which are crucial for assessing the population’s overall health, productivity, and development.
Sex Ratio
What is the Sex Ratio?
The sex ratio is the number of females per 1,000 males in a population. It is an important demographic attribute that indicates gender balance or imbalance within a population.
- Ideal Sex Ratio: 1,050 females per 1,000 males (Nature tends to favor females).
- Global Average (2018 estimate): The sex ratio for the entire world population was approximately 101 males to 100 females.
- India: The sex ratio in India is relatively low due to cultural preferences, patriarchal norms, a preference for male children, and the perception of males as more valuable labor.
Sex Ratio in India (Census Data)
- 1991: 927 females per 1,000 males
- 2001: 933 females per 1,000 males
- 2011: 940 females per 1,000 males
Analysis
- The increase in the overall sex ratio is not necessarily a positive trend or a sign of improved status for women. It should be compared with the child sex ratio for a deeper understanding.
Child Sex Ratio (under 5 years) in India:
- 1961: 976 girls per 1,000 boys
- 1971: 964 girls per 1,000 boys
- 1981: 962 girls per 1,000 boys
- 1991: 945 girls per 1,000 boys
- 2001: 927 girls per 1,000 boys
- 2011: 914 girls per 1,000 boys
Overall Sex Ratio in India:
- 1961: 941 females per 1,000 males
- 1971: 930 females per 1,000 males
- 1981: 934 females per 1,000 males
- 1991: 927 females per 1,000 males
- 2001: 933 females per 1,000 males
- 2011: 940 females per 1,000 males
The consistent decline in the child sex ratio over the past decades reflects underlying gender biases and societal challenges.
Examples of Sex Ratios in Indian States:
- Kerala: 1,084 females per 1,000 males (Highest sex ratio)
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli: 680 females per 1,000 males
- Chandigarh: 818 females per 1,000 males
- Punjab: 893 females per 1,000 males
- Delhi: 866 females per 1,000 males
Age Structure and Dependency Ratio
What is Age Structure?
The age structure of a population refers to the distribution of different age groups within the population and is often represented using a population pyramid. This structure helps predict future growth trends and human development prospects.
2011 Census Data for India:
- Child Age (0-14 years): 31% of the population
- Adult Working Population (15-64 years): 63.4% (This group is capable of taking up jobs, but it does not necessarily mean that everyone is employed)
- Aging Population (65 years and above): Remainder of the population
What is the Dependency Ratio?
The dependency ratio is the proportion of dependents (children aged 0-14 years and the elderly aged 65 and above) to the working-age population (15-64 years).
- India’s Dependency Ratio: 57%, expected to decline and stabilize around 45%, which can be advantageous and is referred to as the “Demographic Dividend.”
Formally Skilled Workforce
The formally skilled workforce in India is relatively low compared to other countries:
- India: 4.69%
- China: 24%
- USA: 52%
- Germany: 80%
- Japan: 96%
According to the Economic Survey, while India adds about 30 million individuals to the workforce every year, training institutions can only absorb 3 million, leaving 80% of new entrants without adequate training or information about skills and talents.
Case Study: European Union Youth Guarantee Programme
In response to rising unemployment rates (over 20%) in 2010, the European Union initiated the Youth Guarantee Programme based on three basic ideas:
- Education and training for employment
- Employment intermediation services
- Active labor market policies
State of the World Population Report 2020
Key Highlights
- Released By: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Title: “Against my will: defying the practices that harm women and girls and undermine equality”
- Key Findings:
- Around 460,000 girls go missing in India each year (2013-2017) due to gender-biased practices.
- Focuses on harmful practices such as child marriage, son preference, gender-biased sex selection, and female genital mutilation.
Missing Female Births
- An estimated 1.2 million female births were missing worldwide between 2013-2017 due to prenatal gender-biased sex selection.
- 90% of these missing births were from China (50%) and India (40%).
Recent Analysis Findings
- If services and programs remain shut for six months, an additional 13 million girls may be forced into marriage, and 2 million more girls may face female genital mutilation by 2030.
- It is essential to address the root causes, especially gender-biased norms, by enforcing strict laws against these harmful practices.
Conclusion
Demographic attributes such as sex ratio, age structure, and dependency ratio provide critical insights into the population’s health, growth potential, and societal challenges. India’s demographic patterns reveal issues such as declining child sex ratios, low levels of skilled labor, and challenges associated with gender-biased practices. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving education, policy interventions, and awareness to promote gender equality and harness the country’s demographic dividend effectively.
- Discuss the implications of India’s declining child sex ratio and how it affects the country’s social and economic development. (250 words)
- How does the age structure and dependency ratio impact a country’s economic growth, and what challenges does India face in utilizing its demographic dividend? (250 words)
- Analyze the significance of the ‘State of the World Population Report 2020’ findings in understanding gender inequality and the measures needed to address gender-biased practices in India. (250 words)
Responses