Gender inequality and the sex ratio in three emerging economies

The aim of this article is to study inequality and deprivations as reflected in the human sex ratio (commonly defined as the number of males per 100 females). The particular focus is on three emerging economies – Russia, India and China. The article compares and contrasts the experiences of these countries and discusses policy issues. It is noted that while the feminist perspective on the issues surrounding the sex ratio is important, it would be wrong to view these issues always or exclusively through the prism of that perspective. It is also suggested that India and China probably have better prospects of sustained economic growth in the foreseeable future than does Russia.