Question:

“China experienced a massive dent in its population growth and the problem of skewed sex ratio.”

On the basis of the data given below, justify the above statement, giving valid arguments in support of your answer.

Select Demographic Indicators 2017 – 18

CountryAnnual Growth of PopulationSex Ratio
China0.46949

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Use the two numbers in the table: annual population growth of 0.46 and a sex ratio near 949. Link low growth to the one-child norm and the skewed ratio to son preference.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the question:
We must justify the statement that China had a big dent in population growth and a skewed sex ratio.
The table for 2017-18 gives annual growth of population as 0.46 percent. It gives the sex ratio for China as 949, meaning 949 females per 1000 males. The printed table shows 9.49, which is 949 with a misplaced decimal point.

Step 2: Argument 1: Fall in population growth:
Annual population growth of 0.46 is very low for a large country.
Scholars say the one-child norm, introduced in the late 1970s, is the main reason for it.
So the growth rate shows a massive dent in population growth.

Step 3: Argument 2: Skewed sex ratio:
A balanced sex ratio would be near 1000 females per 1000 males.
The China figure of about 949 is low and biased towards males.
Scholars point to the strong son preference in society as the main reason. Under the one-child norm, families wanted that one child to be a boy.

Step 4: Conclusion:
Both numbers support the statement. Population growth is very low, and the sex ratio is tilted against females.

Final Answer:
The data justify the statement: low growth of 0.46 because of the one-child norm, and a low sex ratio of about 949 because of son preference.
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