A Remarkable Shift in Age-Old Gender Bias

The longstanding bias against girls has seen an unexpected reversal in recent years.

For centuries, humanity's bias against females has been deeply ingrained, with discrimination beginning at birth. In ancient Athens, a baby’s fate was decided in public ceremonies, sometimes resulting in abandonment if the child was female.

The grim practice of infanticide targeting girls has plagued many societies, and historically was not just a relic of the past. Economist Amartya Sen highlighted the issue in 1990, noting a significant deficit of women in places like Asia and North Africa, estimating the absence of over 100 million women who should have existed based on natural birth ratios.

The Change We Are Witnessing

Sen’s revelations predated the increased use of ultrasound, which exacerbated the problem by facilitating sex-selective abortions. This was particularly rampant in nations such as India and China, where historical preferences and policies made male offspring desirable.

However, recent societal changes suggest a decline in this old bias. Reports from The Economist indicate that the numbers of excess male births have drastically reduced from 1.7 million in the year 2000 to approximately 200,000, aligning with the natural birth ratio of 105 boys to 100 girls.

Education and Employment Transformations

Educational opportunities for females have broadened, enabling them to excel academically. The latest PISA evaluations depict girls outperforming boys in reading across most countries, and higher education enrolment is similarly favorable for women. Although pay disparities still exist, the gap is narrowing in numerous regions.

Government policies have also played a role in discouraging gender-selective practices. In countries like South Korea and China, efforts to prohibit gender-determination technologies and promote pro-girl initiatives have shifted societal perspectives.

A Shift in Parental Preferences

The evolving trend is mirrored in societal attitudes and parental desires. Historically, having a son was deemed essential, but this view has waned. In South Korea, the insistence on having a son drastically decreased from 48% to 6% over two decades.

In the United States, advancements in reproductive technologies allow for gender selection, with a noticeable inclination towards female children. Traditional pressures to have male children first are shifting, with many couples content with girls.

The Road to Equal Valuation

Despite advancements, discrepancies remain. In parts of India and Africa, imbalances in birth ratios persist, compounded by post-birth inequities in health and nutrition.

It’s important to note not all motivations are altruistic; some see girls as more reliable caretakers in old age, yet this societal shift still signifies progress. The reduction in male-favored births highlights a significant cultural transition.

Looking forward, envisioning a world where children of all genders are valued equally is becoming increasingly plausible. As such transformations continue, the hope is that gender biases will dissolve, leading to equally cherished families with daughters and sons alike.