Topic: Population and associated issues
Q2. The invisibilisation of gender bias does not indicate its decline. Discuss with reference to changing forms of son preference in contemporary Indian society. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Persistent concerns over skewed sex ratios and evolving forms of patriarchy, where gender bias has not disappeared but adapted to legal, social and technological changes.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining why reduced visibility of gender bias does not imply its decline, examining how son preference has transformed in contemporary Indian society, and indicating what societal and institutional measures are needed to address these subtler forms of discrimination.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly highlight how legal reforms and social awareness have reduced overt discrimination, but underlying patriarchal attitudes continue to shape reproductive choices in less visible ways.Body
- Explain the statement by showing how gender bias has shifted from open expression to private, cultural and digital spaces without losing its influence.
- Discuss changing forms of son preference, such as digital myths, conditional acceptance of daughters, and family-driven reproductive expectations in modern India.
- Indicate what needs to be done by suggesting norm-based social reform, stronger digital regulation and deeper family- and community-level engagement.
Conclusion
Conclude by underlining that genuine gender equality depends not only on laws and statistics but on transforming social attitudes and power relations within families and society.
