The correct option is Son preference prevailing in these countries..
Explanation
The sex ratio represents the number of females per 1,000 males in a population. In countries like India, China, and Pakistan, this ratio is significantly skewed, indicating a deficit of females. This demographic imbalance is often referred to as the phenomenon of "missing women."Analysis:
- High maternal mortality rate. is incorrect: While high maternal mortality rates reduce the female population, they are not the primary driver of the severe imbalance observed in these countries. The skew is heavily present in the Child Sex Ratio (0-6 years), which is unaffected by maternal mortality.
- Son preference prevailing in these countries. is correct: The primary cause is the deep-rooted socio-cultural preference for sons. This leads to practices such as sex-selective abortion (female foeticide), female infanticide, and the neglect of female children regarding nutrition and medical care. This behavior is driven by the desire to have male heirs for economic support, lineage continuity, and religious rituals.
- Lack of healthcare facilities for women. is incorrect: Although a lack of healthcare facilities affects women, the specific demographic skew is a result of active discrimination and selective practices against females rather than a general absence of medical infrastructure.
- High migration of females to other countries. is incorrect: While migration occurs, it does not happen on a scale large enough to cause the massive structural deficit of females seen in the national populations of these countries.
Key Takeaway:
The skewed sex ratio in India, China, and Pakistan is primarily attributed to son preference, which drives sex-selective practices and the neglect of the girl child.