A Study on the Attitude of Gender Preference and Female Feticide among Women in Selected Settings at New Delhi

Abstract

Introduction : female feticide and infanticide can be eradicated only when people recognize the importance of women in their life. Preference for male baby reflects underlying socioeconomic and cultural patterns and prevailing inequity between genders in many societies in India. Methods : A descriptive comparative research design was used to determine the attitude of 150 unmarried and 150 married women who were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using self made attitude rating scales and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results : The finding in the study shows that majority of the unmarried women (86%) and married women (91.3%) have favorable attitude towards gender preference whereas majority of the unmarried women (82.7%) and married women (78%) have an unfavorable attitude towards female feticide. There was a significant difference in the attitude of unmarried and married women towards gender preference whereas there was no significant difference in the attitude of unmarried and married women towards female feticide. Conclusion : The unmarried and married women have a different attitude towards gender preference and female feticide. Socio-demographic factors play a role in women's awareness of female feticide and education plays a critical role in modifying their attitudes towards female feticide.