Question

Imagine that the sex ratio in Kerala decreases from 2011 census to 2021 census; which could hypothetically be the reason/s among the following ?

1. There is a mass male return migration.
2. There is mass exodus of females to other countries.
3. There is a decrease in the female feticide

• A. i, ii
• B. ii, iii
• C. ii only
• D. All

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, ii

Sex ratio

• The sex ratio in a population is typically calculated as the number of females per 1,000 males.
• A decrease in the sex ratio from one census to another indicates that there are fewer females relative to males in the population.

Role of mass male return migration

• This could potentially lead to a decrease in the sex ratio 
• If a significant number of male individuals return to Kerala, it would temporarily increase the male population without a corresponding increase in the female population.
• So, this reason could contribute to a decrease in the sex ratio.

Role of mass exodus of females to other countries

• This could also lead to a decrease in the sex ratio 
• If a significant number of females migrate to other countries, it would decrease the female population in Kerala, which could also contribute to a decrease in the sex ratio.

Role of decrease in female feticide:

• Decreasing female feticide would lead to more female births, which would have a positive impact on the sex ratio.
• Therefore, this reason would not contribute to a decrease in the sex ratio.