Question

Answer the following :

Explain the causes of the high birth rate.

Answer 1

The causes of the high birth rate are as follows:

1. Illiteracy: The percentage of illiterates in the country is reasonably high. The attitude of illiterate people towards marriage and childbirth has remained rigid. A low level of literacy among females is also responsible for a high birth rate.
2. Universalization of marriage: In India, marriage is considered both a religious and social obligation. Even with the spread of education, the attitude of people towards marriage remains unchanged at large.
3. Age of marriage: In India, the legal age of marriage is relatively lower compared to other countries. It is 18 years for females and 21 years for males. The low age of marriage has also resulted in a high birth rate.
4. Preference for the male child: Many Indian parents are opting to continue having children until they have a son or desired number of sons. This is known as son meta-preference.
5. Joint family system: There is no individual financial responsibility in a joint family. Hence, the existence of a joint family is also responsible for the high birth rate in India.
6. Dependence on Agriculture: Indian agriculture is driven by manpower. In India, there is an overdependence on agriculture. More number of children in the family implies a more labor force available for fieldwork.
7. Widespread Poverty: Poor people prefer large families because they feel that more children mean greater economic support.
8. Lack of awareness about family welfare services: Most of people are ignorant about the availability of various means and techniques of family planning.