Published Paper Details:

The present study was undertaken to know the determinants of gender preference and declining sex rato on a sample of 800 respondents including 600 family members, 100 ICDS functionaries and 100 community members.The sample was selected from 6 ICDS blocks of Jammu district.Multistage random sampling technique was used to draw sample for the study.A self devised interview schedule and interview guide were used as a tool for data collection.Findings revealed that to carry family name and lineage, to perform the funeral rites of parents and to provide support in old age were the major reasonsfor male child preference.Daughters were not preferred due to escalating demands of dowry, increasing financial pressure and increase in sexual violence.Respondents were aware about the phenomenon of declining sex ratio.Various socio-cultural and economic factors essentially contributing to the declining sex ratio mentioned by the respondents were dowry, financial pressure, sex selective abortion followed by family pressure and obsessive desire for a son.Consequences regarding declining sex ratio perceived by the respondents were non-availability of brides in future and further increase in rate of crimes against girls.