Citation

Ghosh S. Health Millions 1991; 17(2): 19-23.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Health for the Millions Trust)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12283901

Abstract

Cultural patterns in India discriminate against female children, and this has translated into poorer health for this group. Indian culture confers greater value on male infants, seeing them as both producers and heirs. And while female infanticide does occur, the discrimination manifests itself more commonly through the neglect of females. Evidence shows that the ratio of females to males has declined during the last 100 years from 972 females/1000 males at the turn of the century to 935/1000 in 1981. Furthermore, the sex ratio of infant mortality in India runs counter to the that in the developed world. Traditionally, the male infant death rate is always greater than that of female infants. But in India, the female infant death rate is only lower during the first week or month of life, after which it surpasses male infant death. There is also a discrepancy concerning the nutritional level of infants. Among 1-5 year-olds attending a hospital in New Delhi, 54% of females suffered from severe malnutrition, which was only 43% for males. Also, some reports indicate that boys are breastfed for longer periods than girls. This discrimination against females affects the level of morbidity; one observer noted that in one community 730 female youngsters were ailing, compared to 513 males. Despite such occurrences, more male children attend hospitals than female children. While the health component has significantly contributed to a higher rate of female infant mortality, other factors also play a role, including the fact that females are likelier to face incidents of sexual abuse and physical neglect than males.

Language: en