No gender-preference says today's Indian parents: Shaadi.com survey

On the eve of Daughter’s Day, Shaadi.com – The world’s largest matrimonial website, conducted a survey to understand the acceptance of a girl child in modern India. The survey which received responses from over 6000 Shaadi.com members across India highlights the preference for a girl child and the maturity of the next-generation Indian parents. When asked if they would prefer a girl or a boy child, over 50% of stated that ‘Babies are God's gifts and that both genders should be treated equally.’ This etches the reality that today girls are given equal importance and are believed to be an asset rather than a liability. 

The results showed that the perception of the traditional laden Indian society is evolving and the previously low valued female child is now a key element providing nurture and stability. Nearly 37% respondents preferred a girl child as they felt that girls are more sincere and loving. Only 9% wanted a male child since society perceives them as an assurance to security and a hope of carrying the ‘family name’ ahead. However, it is heartening to see that, majority of respondents would be happy with either gender since they considered these infants to be gifts from God with equally endowed skills and abilities. 

Earlier girls were thought to be a burden on the family mainly because of the hefty investment – commonly known as dowry - parents needed to shower the boy’s family with at the time of marriage.. With the development of science and gender prediction technology, people found way to curb the birth of the female child. When asked if the respondents accepted the recent government ban on sex-revelation sonographical techniques, an outstanding 84% respondents said that they are approve of the ban. Only 16% respondents, thought otherwise. 

The survey also revealed the today boys and girls are considered equal in all aspects with an overwhelming 50% respondents agreeing with the statement. With respect to smartness and sincerity, 22% felt that the fairer-sex is smarter than boys and 24% said that girls are more sincere than boys. 

Expressing his views on the survey results, Gourav Rakshit, Business Head, Shaadi.com said, “Female infanticide and gender-selection have haunted India in the past. The Daughter’s day poll is part of the constant research that Shaadi.com conducts in its attempt to gauge the preferences of its members. The survey illustrates that today women play an equal role in society and a female child is blessing rather than a burden. It is moving to witness that people are tearing apart the fabric of rigid traditions and adding pleasant colors to the lives of a girl child.”