Studies on Causes and Consequences of Skewed Child Sex Ratio

The present study was conducted to identify the causes and consequences of skewed child sex ratio in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. A total sample of 100 respondents (married women i.e. 50 rural and 50 urban, aged 18 to 45 years) was taken from Kangra tehsil of Kangra district. The respondents were selected on the basis of simple random sampling from two villages (Birta and Kholi) and two wards (4 and 8) from the area. They were interviewed through an interview schedule containing both open and close ended questions. The data were coded, tabulated and analyzed through SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The results revealed that 86% respondents were well aware of the skewed child sex ratio in the State. Most of them (58.08%) blamed foeticide as the major cause behind it. Respondents felt that it could lead to various consequences but the worst one was stoppage of family lineage (33.97%).