Emerging Issues: Ageing, Sex Ratios, Child & Infant Mortality, Reproductive Health
Relevant for sociology optional Paper- 2 (Unit- 13 : Social Changes in India)
India is one of the most populous countries in the world, with a current population of over 1.3 billion people. With a population growth rate of 1.08% per year, the country is expected to reach 1.7 billion people by 2050, making it the most populous country in the world. This growth in population has brought with it a number of emerging issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure sustainable development and well-being for all citizens. In this essay, we will discuss four of these issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, and reproductive health.
Ageing is a demographic shift that is taking place across the world, and India is no exception. According to the World Bank, the proportion of the population aged 60 years and over is expected to increase from 8% in 2010 to 19% in 2050. This demographic shift has important implications for the social, economic, and health sectors in India. One of the key challenges associated with ageing is the need for increased healthcare and social services for the elderly. As people age, they are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This puts pressure on healthcare systems, which must be able to provide high-quality care to an increasing number of elderly patients. Additionally, as people live longer, they may need support with activities of daily living such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. This creates a demand for social services such as home care and nursing homes.
Another challenge associated with ageing is the economic impact of an ageing population. As people age, they may retire from the workforce, which can reduce the size of the labour force and slow down economic growth. Additionally, as the proportion of elderly people increases, there may be increased pressure on pension systems and other social safety nets. This could lead to increased government spending on social services, which may require adjustments to taxation policies.
The sex ratio is another emerging issue in India. The sex ratio at birth in India is currently 929 females per 1000 males, which is below the natural rate of 952 females per 1000 males. This is due in part to a preference for male children, which has led to sex-selective abortions and female infanticide. The preference for male children is driven by a number of factors, including the desire for a son to carry on the family name and provide support in old age, as well as the belief that male children are more capable of supporting their families financially.
The low sex ratio has important social and economic implications. For example, it can lead to a shortage of marriage partners for men, which can lead to an increase in the trafficking of women and girls. Additionally, it can lead to a decline in the number of children born, which can slow down population growth and reduce the size of the labour force.
Child and infant mortality are also emerging issues in India. According to UNICEF, the infant mortality rate in India is 30 deaths per 1000 live births, which is higher than the global average of 25 deaths per 1000 live births. The under-five mortality rate in India is also higher than the global average, at 37 deaths per 1000 live births. The causes of child and infant mortality are complex and multifaceted, but they are often linked to poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare services.
Reducing child and infant mortality is a key priority for the Indian government. In recent years, the government has implemented a number of programs to improve maternal and child health, including the Janani Suraksha Yojana, which provides financial incentives to women who give birth in healthcare facilities, and the Integrated Child Development Services program, which provides healthcare, nutrition, and education services to children under the age of six. These programs have had some success in reducing child and infant mortality rates, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of these issues. This includes improving access to healthcare services in rural and remote areas, addressing malnutrition through improved food security and nutrition programs, and improving the quality of healthcare services.
Reproductive health is the final emerging issue that we will discuss in this essay. Reproductive health refers to the physical, social, and psychological well-being of individuals in relation to their reproductive system and processes. In India, reproductive health is an important issue, with a large number of women facing barriers to accessing reproductive health services.
One of the key barriers to accessing reproductive health services in India is a lack of knowledge about reproductive health and family planning. Many women are unaware of the available contraceptive methods and may not have access to family planning services. This can lead to unintended pregnancies, which can have negative social and economic consequences for women and their families.
Another barrier to accessing reproductive health services in India is cultural and societal norms surrounding reproductive health. For example, there may be a stigma associated with discussing reproductive health issues or using contraceptive methods. This can make it difficult for women to access the care that they need.
To address these issues, the Indian government has implemented a number of programs to improve access to reproductive health services. This includes the National Family Planning Program, which provides free or low-cost contraceptives and family planning services to women across the country. Additionally, the government has implemented programs to improve education and awareness about reproductive health and family planning, including the Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health program.
In conclusion, India is facing a number of emerging issues related to population growth and demographics. Ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, and reproductive health are all important issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure sustainable development and well-being for all citizens. While the Indian government has implemented a number of programs to address these issues, more needs to be done to address the root causes of these problems and ensure that all individuals have access to high-quality healthcare and social services.
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