Sex-Selective Abortion and Women in Haryana—Social Identity Matters

Abstract

Haryana is one of the country's most developed states. Its economy grew rapidly after the green and white revolution in the late 1960s. However, women have always had a lower position in ‘Haryanavi’ society. Even economic prosperity has failed to bring about any significant positive change. Since the start of the country's population census, the state has been known for having the lowest sex ratio. Social and economic dominance of some communities lead to female infanticide in the past. After the emergence of new reproductive technology, this practice has been supplanted by female foeticide. Almost all social groups have used this technology. Women's poor status in society and decline in numbers are closely related. Although the state government is attempting to address the issue by implementing cash transfer schemes to give financial assistance to the parents of girls, it is vital to understand the genuine change, as the problem lies in social roots rather than economic hardship. This paper attempts to understand how cash transfer programmes are helping to improve women's social status across social groups in the state.KeywordsSex-selective abortionFemale infanticideSocial identitySocial status