Causes of Female Foeticide
CAUSES OF FEMALE FOETICIDE – WHY DO THEY DO THIS?
Female foeticide is a pressing issue – which calls to be addressed at once. However, to get to the root of this issue, it is essential to understand the causes behind it. In India, however, there isn’t actually a need to investigate into the problem much. We don’t need to delve into any lengthy and detailed investigation or case study. The issue lies right on top, in front of our eyes – in fact, it is a very part of our lives.
One of the simplest and most obvious causes is a preference for the male child. It’s simple – couples prefer a male child over a female one. Reasons? Plenty. The root lies in our very own traditions, customs, beliefs and above all, our thinking. It is a general perception that the birth of a male child is beneficial and advantageous to the family. A male in the family is traditionally considered to be a source – source of money, source of respect, source of name and fame. A man is expected to work and earn for his family – in the process repaying all that was cost to bring him up. A woman is considered a financial obligation, as money spent on bringing her up, educating her, marrying her will not be repaid – as she will go to her husband’s house after marriage, and the benefits of all that ‘investment’ shall go to his family.
As Justice YK Sabharwal, Chief Justice of India, rightly says (in his speech about Eradication of Female Foeticide, delivered in Patiala on December 17, 2006), that “Investing in a daughter they say is like ‘watering your neighbour’s lawn.’” A boy shall grow up to be the head of the family, and he shall offer a sense of security to his aging parents – take care of them, serve them and take over the responsibility of running the family. He shall also continue the name of the family (whereas, the girl shall take up her husband’s last name). A male is considered to be a producer, whereas a female is considered to be a consumer. All this is mainly due to the patriarchal
Female foeticide is a pressing issue – which calls to be addressed at once. However, to get to the root of this issue, it is essential to understand the causes behind it. In India, however, there isn’t actually a need to investigate into the problem much. We don’t need to delve into any lengthy and detailed investigation or case study. The issue lies right on top, in front of our eyes – in fact, it is a very part of our lives.
One of the simplest and most obvious causes is a preference for the male child. It’s simple – couples prefer a male child over a female one. Reasons? Plenty. The root lies in our very own traditions, customs, beliefs and above all, our thinking. It is a general perception that the birth of a male child is beneficial and advantageous to the family. A male in the family is traditionally considered to be a source – source of money, source of respect, source of name and fame. A man is expected to work and earn for his family – in the process repaying all that was cost to bring him up. A woman is considered a financial obligation, as money spent on bringing her up, educating her, marrying her will not be repaid – as she will go to her husband’s house after marriage, and the benefits of all that ‘investment’ shall go to his family.
As Justice YK Sabharwal, Chief Justice of India, rightly says (in his speech about Eradication of Female Foeticide, delivered in Patiala on December 17, 2006), that “Investing in a daughter they say is like ‘watering your neighbour’s lawn.’” A boy shall grow up to be the head of the family, and he shall offer a sense of security to his aging parents – take care of them, serve them and take over the responsibility of running the family. He shall also continue the name of the family (whereas, the girl shall take up her husband’s last name). A male is considered to be a producer, whereas a female is considered to be a consumer. All this is mainly due to the patriarchal